Dodgers: Trea Turner Ranked as the Third Best Shortstop in MLB

There are few players quite like the Dodgers Trea Turner. Turner is the rare five-tool player who never seems to rub him teammates the wrong way. Turner, who primarily plays shortstop, started the bulk of his games in Dodgers blue at second base after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Washington Nationals.

Now that Corey Seager is a Ranger, it’s presumed that Trea will go back to his natural position at short.

Buster Olney believes Turner is the third-best shortstop in all of baseball behind Carlos Correa and Fernando Tatis Jr.

“Turner has had more than his share of injuries, but his impact when he plays is undeniable — over the past three seasons, he has a .317/.370/.530 slash line, with 59 homers, 79 stolen bases, and 249 runs in 329 games.”

In 2021, Trea led all position players in WAR (6.9) en route to his first MLB batting title (.328 BA). He wasn’t just a contact hitter either – he ranked 15th in slugging percentage (.536) among qualified players. The notorious base stealer was just two home runs shy of a 30/30 season.

The only blemish on Turner’s 2021 resumé was his anemic .500 OPS in the playoffs. 

Olney isn’t alone on Trea Turner island. FanGraphs stat wizard Dan Szymborksi also believes Trea is an elite shortstop.

“The Dodgers didn’t really seem to make any kind of a big push to bring back Corey Seager, but that’s a testament to just how awesome Turner is. There are only two shortstops in baseball I’d rather have on a long-term contract: Fernando Tatis Jr., and Wander Franco.”

The Dodgers were active in Corey Seager’s free agency and offered him an extension this last spring, but regardless, that’s two MLB experts confirming what fans already know: Turner is a very special player.

Barring a contract extension from the Dodgers this year, Turner will be a free agent following the 2022 season. Many expect him to fetch the biggest contract among the 2022 free agent class.

Free agency chatter aside, Turner is one of the best shortstops, and one of the best players, in baseball.

For at least one more year, but hopefully for many more to come.

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