Trea Turner Would Have Welcomed a Dodgers Reunion, But He Never Heard from Them

The All-Star shortstop opened up in his return to Dodger Stadium this week.

Upon Trea Turner's return to Dodger Stadium this week, there was much curiosity surrounding his trip through free agency after leaving the Dodgers and signing with the Phillies. Turner ultimately signed an 11-year, $300 million deal with the NL Pennant-winning Philadelphia squad, but fans were still interested in learning more about LA's attempt to bring the shortstop back.

In a chat with local media ahead of the series, Turner was asked about his first foray through free agency and whether his rumored need to be on the East Coast was a real factor. He was also asked if he would have entertained the idea of staying with the Dodgers if they had pursued him.

Turner confirmed that he would have considered returning to the Dodgers if they had shown interest. They just needed to come calling.

“For sure. I entertained one west coast team. I definitely would have entertained another. Especially one that I enjoyed playing for and was familiar with. So yeah, it didn’t work out but I definitely would have entertained it. I thought they would be on me, they weren’t, but it would have been definitely in my top two teams to join.”

Turner wasn't surprised that the Dodgers didn't pursue him, as he had conversations with them during spring training last year that didn't work out.

“Once that happened, you know, I think anything’s possible. So I wasn’t really surprised, but it’s a business. I told Andrew and them just be honest with me and I’ll be honest with you and I thought we have great communication. ... They communicated very well the time I was there and that’s all I asked of them.

So like I said, just didn’t work out but yeah, no contact there.”

The Dodgers had their plan ready to go in the form of Gavin Lux who would be sliding over from second base to shortstop. And he'd be at a much more reasonable cost.

If the Dodgers were willing to spend $300 million for a shortstop, it's likely that Corey Seager would still be with the team.