Editorials

Dodgers: Trevor Story Listed as Fit for LA, But Does He Make Sense?

In a market filled with premium shortstops, the Dodgers have made their intentions clear that they want to lock up an elite shortstop long-term. For years, rumors swirled that LA was interested in trading for Francisco Lindor before he was ultimately dealt to the Mets, where he eventually signed a 10-year extension worth $341M. Then this past season, LA traded away their top two prospects, C Keibert Ruiz and RHP Josiah Gray, for ace starter Max Scherzer and elite shortstop Trea Turner.

With Corey Seager handling shortstop duties last season, the 2021 NL batting champion was forced into playing second base during his first few months with his new club. After establishing himself as one of the game’s premier defensive shortstops over the past few seasons, Turner struggled at times playing second base and has made it known that he wants to revert to his natural position as a full-time shortstop moving forward.

Trea Turner has one more year of club control before he hits the free agent market following the 2022 season, but the Dodgers could potentially try to get him to agree to an extension as soon as the lockout ends or at any point next season. Ideally, the club would get a deal done before Opening Day, just like they did with Mookie Betts before the 2020 season.

LA’s marquee offseason acquisition was entering the final year of club control and hadn’t played a single regular season game with the Dodgers before agreeing to the largest contract in franchise history at 12-years $365M. If the Dodgers can’t strike a deal with Turner or fear he could walk after next season, the team could look elsewhere for a franchise shortstop.

Trevor Story to Dodgers? Story Listed as Fit for LA, Should Dodgers Consider Signing Story?

The Dodgers made an aggressive attempt to retain Corey Seager, offering him nearly $300M before signing with the Texas Rangers on a 10-year $325M deal. Shortly after Seager signed with Texas, the MLB rumor mill started buzzing with speculation after MLB insider Jon Heyman mentioned the Dodgers as a team ‘you can’t rule out for Carlos Correa.’ If LA feels that Turner won’t sign an extension or has designs to test the market and potentially sign elsewhere, the Dodgers could pivot to making a run at free-agent shortstop Trevor Story.

Story, 29, had a down year in 2021 where he slashed .251/.329/.471 with 24 home runs, a 100 wRC+, and a 3.5 fWAR, but turned it on in the second half of the season where he slashed .253/.337/.506, hit 13 home runs with a 111 wRC+ in 65 games played. Story’s power numbers have been trending in the wrong direction over the past few seasons, but save for Manny Machado who has long since shifted over to third base, Story has led all shortstops with 158 home runs since 2016.

Further, since 2016, Story is second among shortstops in slugging percentage at .523 and fWAR at 21.6. MLB Trade Rumors projects that Story will ultimately sign for 5-years, $126M, so he would potentially be far less expensive than some of the other premium shortstops and certainly less than the kind of money that Trea Turner would command.

In a perfect world, the Dodgers would get a deal done with Trea Turner as soon as possible, but if whatever reason they can’t and they don’t feel that Gavin Lux is the long-term solution at shortstop, Trevor Story could be an option worth considering. We discuss if the Dodgers could consider adding Trevor to their storied franchise and if he would be a good fit for LA. Plus, thoughts on why Trevor Story performed below his standards last season.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!

Doug McKain

Doug McKain is a lifelong Dodger fan and hosts Dodgers Nation’s “DNpostgame” show online. He also hosts Dodgers DougOut and the LA Sports Report on YouTube. DMAC is also a rabid Lakers fan, and lover of all Los Angeles sports.

5 Comments

  1. My comments haven’t gone through in days but somehow Dodger106W’s sign in info was entered in my space. You just gave yourself away pal, you hacked me and you’re gonna have a lawsuit on your hands

  2. Look at Story’s numbers for away games. He is fine at altitude but not a guy you want at sea level. I believe they could have an advantage with signing TT with an extension. His arbitration number for 22 will be 20 million. If the extension is 30 in the first year and runs for 6 years total for 190 or 200 total ending in his mid 30’s. Trea essentially gets a 10 million bonus upfront and market rate for the remaining 5 years. He wants to play on a contender, and no one should get 10 year contracts without protection for the team for injury or skill degradation (sorry Mookie). LA can sweeten 22 which no other team can do, end the contract after his age 34 year. I can’t believe Trea would want to play second this year and try free agency as a SS and kill his value in 23. And AF is aware of this as well.

  3. I think that Trea will sign a along term extension with us. Story will probably sign with the Yankees.

  4. Trea will sign a long term extension. Story will probably sign with the Yankees.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button