Cardinals: MLB Network host predicts St. Louis signs Trea Turner

Greg Amsigner predicted Trea Turner to the Cardinals on 101 ESPN

The Cardinals may be in the market for some big names this offseason as the club prepares to increase their payroll. MLB Network host Greg Amsinger is predicting the club will land Trea Turner.

Talking on “The Opening Drive” on 101 ESPN (full interview here), Amsinger said he had no insider information, but did go as far as to say “Trea Turner will be the Cardinals shortstop come Opening Day 2023”, calling Turner a guaranteed star and a perfect fit for St. Louis.

Turner is coming off another All-Star season and will surely finish top 10 in MVP voting after slashing .298/.343/.466 with 21 HR, 100 RBI, and 27 SB. Turner is 29-years old and has emerged as one of the best players in baseball due to his elite mix of speed, power, on-base skills, and defense. For a team like St. Louis that has been seeking a third bat, Turner fits the bill.

Turner will not come cheap for any team though. The shortstop will likely command a deal between $250-$300 million total with an AAV well over $30 million. If the club does intend to raise its payroll and current budget predictions hold true, the Cardinals could afford to make this kind of offer.

Amsinger has done a pretty good job predicting Cardinals moments over the last few years. He was early on the Arenado to St. Louis train, and even predicted the timing of Albert Pujols’ 700th home run months before it happened.

Some have questioned why the Cardinals would go after Turner with guys like Tommy Edman, Brendan Donovan, and soon Masyn Winn as shortstop options currently. But the opportunity to add one of the 15 best players in all of baseball should not stop the Cardinals purely on the argument of positional fit. Edman can slot back at second base, Donovan can operate in a “Chris Taylor” like role, and pieces like Gorman or Winn could find roles on the team long-term or be used as trade pieces. Turner also has outfield flexibility, making him an option out there as well.

Turner really is the perfect bat to compliment Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. The all-around hitter is the prototypical two-hole hitter, and would form arguably the best hitting trio in the game today.

Will the Cardinals actually sign Turner? Only time will tell. Once the World Series ends and the hot stove heats up, reports will begin to surface about where the Cardinals true intentions are. If the club is serious about forming a legit contender, Turner should be their number 1 target.