Fresh off a report that the Washington Nationals are unwilling to give Trea Turner a long-term contract, the club is not ruling out trading the star shortstop before Friday’s trade deadline, according to Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post.
The Nationals are “getting a lot of interest” in Turner. However, the team would need a “no-brainer” of a deal to trade the 28-year old All-Star.
Earlier Monday, Peter Gammons of MLB Network reported Nationals ownership has come off the idea of giving Turner a long-term contract extension. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Turner declined an offer this past spring.
Turner is making $13 million this season. He is under team control for another year through the 2022 season. However, it appears hopes of a deal to keep him in Washington long-term are vastly fading away.
It will be interesting to see if Washington gets a knockout trade offer for Trea Turner — given the good amount of pending free agent shortstops around the league. Marcus Siemen, Trevor Story, Corey Seager and Carlos Correra all could become free agents this winter.
News of Turner’s relationship with the Nationals souring is disheartening for fans. He was thought to be a cornerstone player along with Juan Soto. Now, it appears Turner’s days in Washington are numbered.
