Report: Phillies Land Trea Turner

The Phillies have reportedly made a big splash.  This is the one that Phillies fans have craved since the beginning of free agency.  According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Trea Turner is a Philadelphia Phillie.

This makes the average annual value $27.7 million per season.

The deal is structured much like the Bryce Harper deal in that there are what are essential extra years.  This brings that average annual value down some, which gives the Phillies some more room under the Competitive Balance Tax threshold.   That number is just about what the combination of Jean Segura and Didi Gregorius accounted for in payroll in 2022.

"I think he's a $30 million dollar player", said former general manager Jim Duquette on MLB Network radio.  Duquette called the deal a "10-year deal" with some extra flexibility for the Phillies.

Turner is reunited with hitting coach Kevin Long, who was his hitting coach with the Washington Nationals.

The Phillies now add a bat that could serve as a leadoff hitter, giving the club the flexibility to bat Kyle Schwarber in Harper's position while he is out recovering from Tommy John surgery.   The blow is greatly softened by the addition of Turner.

The move means Bryson Stott can expect to play second base.  Stott does not seem to mind: