This Dodgers-Braves Trade for Justin Turner Could Work if Los Angeles Won't Extend Him

The Los Angeles Dodgers have some big contracts coming off the books after the 2020 season. The most notable is that of new addition Mookie Betts. Yet Justin Turner is another big name to keep an eye on.

The veteran third baseman is earning $19 million in 2020 and is a free agent following the season. He will be 36 next year and it is possible the Dodgers want to move on and get younger in the process. That could mean a trade this year and the Atlanta Braves are one team that should be calling with an offer.

The details of a 2020 season remain to be seen. However, the Braves are a team chasing a title and just lost Josh Donaldson in free agency. Adding Turner's expiring deal allows the team to replace Donaldson with a comparable player and should give the Braves first dibs on a possible extension. The Dodgers don't have a ton of leverage in negotiations, but could capitalize on the Braves' desire to add a veteran in a 2020 title chase. The two teams are also National League rivals and that means Atlanta will have to send two top-15 prospects in return for Turner.

The Braves would have to part with No. 10 prospect Tucker Davidson and No. 14 prospect Michael Harris. The former is a left-handed pitcher who is 24 years old and reached Triple-A in 2019. He has become a starter and could spend another year in the minors if needed. Harris is a 19-year-old outfielder who was a third-round pick in 2019. He is more of a long-term project for the Dodgers.

Landing two top-15 prospects would be a solid return for the Dodgers and is a tough deal to turn down. The cost may be seen as a bit high for Braves fans, but it would be worth it if the team won the World Series with Turner.