Trea Turner says there’s been nothing new in contract extension talks with Dodgers

Three days earlier than the beginning of the Dodgers’ season, shortstop Trea Turner stated Tuesday there’s been nothing new in talks with the crew a couple of potential contract extension.

The 28-year-old, who was acquired by the Dodgers together with Max Scherzer on the commerce deadline final 12 months, shall be a free agent after the season and stated firstly of spring he’d be open to staying in Los Angeles long run.

Nevertheless, he stated Tuesday that there was no formal provide for a brand new long-term deal.

“It’s like I talked about earlier than, [I’m open to] having talks in the event that they need to have them and if not, let’s go play baseball,” Turner stated. “So no talks, no nothing. We’re able to go play.”

If Turner — who prevented arbitration this season by settling with the Dodgers on a one-year, $21-million deal final month — reaches free company after the season, he could possibly be probably the most coveted gamers in the marketplace.

Final 12 months, he received the Nationwide League batting title with a .328 common general between his time with the Dodgers and Washington Nationals. He additionally ranked first amongst place gamers in Fangraphs’ model of wins above alternative, completed fifth in voting for the NL’s most dear participant award and set profession highs in residence runs (28) and RBIs (77).

Over his seven-year profession, Turner has batted .303 and led the majors in hits twice. He’s additionally one of many sport’s quickest gamers, with 203 profession steals.

Turner is worked up about transferring again to shortstop this 12 months, as properly, after he slid to second base following final season’s commerce to the Dodgers, who nonetheless had Corey Seager on the place.

“I like it,” Turner stated. “Second base, I feel I stated it quite a few instances, it simply felt so bizarre, misplaced. But it surely was what was requested of me, so I attempted to do the very best I might. I’m actually excited to return [to shortstop]. I already really feel like I’ve made even some progress this spring, some issues I need to implement within the recreation and be extra constant.”

The going price for premier shortstops has skyrocketed during the last 12 months following Seager’s 10-year, $325-million signing with the Texas Rangers this offseason and Francisco Lindor’s 10-year, $341-million cope with the New York Mets firstly of final season.

Subsequent 12 months’s class of free-agent shortstops appears prone to be topped by Turner and doubtlessly Carlos Correa (if he opts out of his new contract with the Minnesota Twins). The Dodgers don’t have an apparent successor at shortstop if Turner leaves, both, although Gavin Lux and Chris Taylor are each able to taking part in the place.

For now, although, Turner stated he’s targeted on the upcoming season, which shall be his first full marketing campaign with the Dodgers — and presumably his final.