This Dodgers-Indians Trade for Justin Turner Could Work if Los Angeles Won't Extend Him
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner recently revealed he hasn't had contract extension talks with the team. That is a bit alarming for him and his future as he is in the final year of his contract in 2020.
If there are no plans of an extension then the next logical step would be for the Dodgers to seek a trade partner. One interesting team who could call the Dodgers about Turner is the Cleveland Indians.
I spoke with Justin Turner and his wife, Kourtney, about their charitable work, the 2020 season, and the possibility that he might have played his last game in a Dodger uniform. https://t.co/0OFSlxmi8c
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) May 8, 2020
The Indians are in a weird spot and may try to make some sort of splash in order to chase a title with Francisco Lindor still in town. Adding Turner could help chase that goal by adding a talented veteran to the mix.
The cost would be two prospects. First up is No. 10 overall prospect Gabriel Rodriguez. He is a 19-year-old infielder who would help restock the Dodgers system after they lost Jeter Downs in the Mookie Betts trade. He instantly becomes a top option for the future at third base or shortstop. The other addition to the deal is No. 22 overall prospect Sam Hentges. The 6-8 southpaw made 28 starts at the Double-A level in 2019 and did struggle with a 5.11 ERA. However, he did have Tommy John surgery in 2016 and is finally back to a normal workload and is someone the Dodgers can work with.
Per @JesseSanchezMLB, #Indians to sign several international prospects, including 2 from the Top 30:
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 2, 2018
No. 6 Gabriel Rodriguez ($2.1M)
No. 12 Junior Sanquintin ($1.25M)
More details: https://t.co/rKdy4Fyy0c pic.twitter.com/B9dghS2O0L
The Dodgers get Turner's money off the books and get two prospects in the process. Neither would be with the team in 2020, but both stand out as potential future contributors, with Rodriguez being the huge get. The Indians are comfortable with this trade thanks to top prospect Nolan Jones being ready to play at the major-league level soon.