MLB Rumors: Latest Intel Has Four Likely Landing Spots for Trea Turner

Will he stay or will he go? The Los Angeles Dodgers would love to keep free agent Trea Turner, the multi-talented superstar shortstop. But there are a couple of caveats that could stand in the way: (1) the Dodgers might have Aaron Judge as their No. 1 priority, and if they feel it's a possibility, they might let Turner walk; (2) the rumors are rife that Turner wants to return to the East Coast. 

Turner is from the east coast of South Florida, while his wife is from New Jersey. If heading back east is a priority for him, then MLB Insider Jon Heyman reports that there are four teams that would be front of the line in the free agent sweepstakes to win his very "wondrous" services, as Heyman put it:

Atlanta Braves

The Braves have their own free agent shortstop dilemma they'd like to solve first. Hometown kid Dansby Swanson has broken through into All-Star territory, and re-signing him is their first priority. But Heyman notes that "the latest rumor has the Braves as a possible fit if they fail to keep" Swanson. 

Boston Red Sox

Another team that's struggling to keep their own All-Star shortstop, but it seems that Xander Bogaerts (who'll be opting out to become a free agent) and the team are still far apart in negotiations. It would be difficult to imagine, however, if the Sox don't want to pony up for Bogaerts, how they would justify the expected much higher price tag of Turner.

Philadelphia Phillies

Upgrading shortstop has long been a Phillies desire, even while rookie Bryson Stott has significantly improved his stock with his late-season performance. They would slide Stott over to 2B if they were able to acquire a superstar of Turner's ability for short.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals like their superstars, and wouldn't it be a blast if they could add Trea Turner to an infield that already sports Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado (assuming they re-sign the third baseman to an extension, as expected). 

And despite his speed, Tommy Edman is simply not the ideal leadoff man, as his on-base percentage annually hovers not far above the .300 mark. Turner is in and around the .350 mark or higher most every season. 

It will be a robust market for Turner, no doubt, and the machinations with the other free agent shortstops, and even the Aaron Judge factor, will prove to be fascinating this offseason.

Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports