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

Less than a year away from free agency, Los Angeles Dodgers and third baseman Justin Turner reportedly have not entered contract negotiations. You might say that MLB is presently in a transaction freeze, but this report dates back to before the global COVID-19 shutdown. That makes this development highly noteworthy, as Turner has been a vital component of the Dodgers' success across the last six seasons.

The 2017 All-Star is entering the final season of his four-year, $64 million contract, and you have to think that Los Angeles will have no choice but to shop him if an extension just cannot materialize.

Right on cue, the St. Louis Cardinals come to mind as a potential buyer, as they boast assets that could potentially entice the Dodgers.

Dodgers, Turner Hadn't Discussed Extension Prior To Transaction Freeze https://t.co/bGXkg0QT3j pic.twitter.com/4slCHESwAc
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) May 8, 2020

Los Angeles doesn't have a ton of leverage here, and they'll be increasingly desperate to cash in on Turner before he hits the open market with each passing week. However, the club should still demand two top-20 prospects in return for the 35-year-old slugger.

The Cardinals should be just fine parting ways with outfielder Jhon Torres, the team's No. 8 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. St. Louis isn't itching for outfield depth with youngsters like Tommy Edman and Harrison Bader already cracking the big league roster, after all. On top of that, left fielder Dylan Carlson is their No. 1 overall prospect. The Dodgers, meanwhile, coughed up top prospect Alex Verdugo in the Mookie Betts trade, so they could use reinforcements.

Elsewhere, LA could ask for fellow outfielder Justin Williams, the Cards' No. 17 ranked youngster. The majority of the Dodgers' top prospects are hurlers or infielders, so stocking up on outfielders isn't a bad idea at all.

Justin Turner: "Obviously there’s a possibility that there’s no season and my Dodger career could’ve ended last year in the playoffs, which would be tough. It would be sad. Sad to think about.” https://t.co/7sANBcBlS8
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) May 7, 2020

The Cardinals would add a veteran bat to complement boppers Paul Goldschmidt and Paul DeJong in the middle of the lineup, and the Dodgers would bolster a farm system that, despite being elite, is in need of outfield talent. This deal is a win-win from both perspectives.