Free agency is just around the corner for Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner. The 27-year old drove up his value with an impressive 2020 season. Now he is entrenched as one of the best shortstops in baseball. He’s also considered one of two cornerstone pieces in the club’s future along with Juan Soto.
Still, there is the nature of the business, and Turner is two years from being a free agent. However, he maintains he wants an extension and “would love” to play his entire career with the Nationals.
“I don’t think the grass is greener on the other side necessarily. But it’s a business and things change. As of right now, I would love to play here for my entire career,” Turner said per Maria Torres of The Athletic.
The Nationals have previously approached Turner about an extension. Still both sides are seeking a deal. Turner and the club agreed to a one-year deal in 2021 that will pay him $13 million to avoid arbitration. He is also under team control for 2022.
Last season, Trea Turner hit .335/.394/.588 with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs in 59 games. He led Major League Baseball with 78 hits and his four triples were tied for most in the National League.
Turner says talks of an extension “have happened in the past, hopefully they will happen in the future,” per Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports.
He also expressed he would love to play with Soto for a long time in Washington, but there are “big, big questions” if the two will be afforded the opportunity with the Nationals.
The pair of Turner and Soto were huge contributors in the Nationals winning the World Series in 2019. Following the departures of Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon in free agency, there is caution surrounding the Nationals being able to get deals done with Turner (and Soto).
