The Washington Nationals are going to sell a lot of Trea Turner jerseys over the next ten plus years. At least that’s what all Nationals fans are hoping. In a perfect world, the Nationals have found their short stop of the future in a ridiculous trade with the San Diego Padres. Washington certainly won that trade, regardless… it’s not even close.
Turner has spent one full year now in the minors and has put up some really great numbers. His trips to the majors have been a slightly different story however. He hit .225 in 2015 when he was called up and made 40 at-bats. As well he finished the season with a .325 slugging percentage and .295 on-base percentage.
The former Padres was recently called up to play a short series for Washington in Cincinnati against the Reds. Turner’s 2016 debut was a successful one but it was a very small sample size. He played second base and recorded three hits in three plate appearances, one of which was a double.
The short stop needs to continue his development in the minors and the Nationals don’t need him right now.
Six-year player Danny Espinosa is on a tear right now and has hit five home runs in his last nine games. Although this statistic looks great on paper, there is a reason he’s hitting so low in the lineup. He is hitting below .200 and could become more of a problem if he doesn’t continue hitting home runs. Once can’t expect that to continue. Still, his hot streak is impressive given he’s hitting towards the end of the lineup.
Turner is a viable option for a late-season call up along with pitcher and 2012 first-round draft pick Lucas Giolito.
How fun would that be?
If Espinosa struggles and Turner receives some playing time later in the season, the Nationals infield defense would take a step back. Turner is an adequate defender but Espinosa is better at this point. Baseman Daniel Murphy’s defensive struggles have been well documented so the Nationals would be taking a risk with Turner, even if his bat does provide more upside pertaining to on base percentage.
Turner’s appearance in Cincinnati won’t be his last of 2016. Expect to see him help this ball club later in the season.