Trea Turner is Phillies’ top priority, per MLB insider

When the hot stove is freezing, it’s reasonable to expect some Phillies rumors that drive fans nuts to hit your social media feeds.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Phillies are “considered the favorites” to sign Trea Turner. The former Dodgers and Nationals star shortstop has been linked heavily to the Phillies since June, with Bob Nightengale of USA Today writing that several talent evaluators predict Turner will land with the Phillies in the offseason.

Morosi also added that Turner is the Phillies’ top priority. This is important when considering other potential suitors for Turner. Morosi said that the Giants could have interest in Turner, but “it’s somewhat contingent on what happens with [Aaron Judge].”

If the Phillies have strong interest in Turner and are aware that his market will be more competitive once Judge inevitably re-signs with the New York Yankees, it may be beneficial for Philadelphia to work out a deal sooner rather than later. The Dodgers could also look to re-sign Turner, but they’ve also been heavily linked to Justin Verlander and have signaled that they are willing to fill the vacancy at shortstop left by Turner internally.

Multiple MLB insiders are predicting the upcoming winter meetings, which begin Sunday in San Diego, to be a busy time. Some big name free agents could finally begin coming off the board.

For the Phillies, it could make sense for them to strike early similar to the way they inked Zack Wheeler to a five-year, $118 million deal in early December of 2019. Just days after Wheeler signed, Stephen Strasburg signed a $245 million contract and Gerrit Cole signed for $324 million.

The Phillies have a vacancy in the middle infield and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has made it clear that the club has the flexibility to add another high end free agent.

Rumors have been swirling on Turner’s interest in landing in Philadelphia as well as Bryce Harper’s affinity for his former Nationals teammate. The Phillies say they like all four of Turner, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson, but it’s becoming more clear that they have a favorite.

Bryce Harper on Trea Turner: ‘I’m excited to see where he goes next year’

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