Why Dodgers Should Prioritize Aaron Judge Over Trea Turner Amid Latest MLB Rumors

Might the Los Angeles Dodgers turn their attention away from re-signing shortstop Trea Turner and instead bring history-making New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge into the fold?

That is a hypothetical question that may well prove reality if a report from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com comes to fruition.

"There has been a lot of talk that the Dodgers are prepared to let Turner walk in order to make a big play for Judge, a scenario that could take the NL West champions out of play for the shortstop," he wrote.

As it turns out, that potential scenario could work out better for the Dodgers than going back to the negotiation table with their star shortstop.

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It's Time For Change...

The Dodgers have been to the postseason for 10 consecutive seasons but have just one World Series title to show for it, despite three appearances in the Fall Classic.

Something needs to change so the organization can take advantage of its success, and that means making personnel changes.

Turner is a great shortstop and is going to be handsomely rewarded in the offseason but if the Dodgers have the opportunity to get a player of the caliber of Judge, they must take the steps to make it happen.

Not only is the 30-year-old (62 HR, .311 average, 131 RBI, .425 on-base percentage) a better player in every measurable category than Turner (21/.298/100/.343) in 2022, but he is also the face of the Yankees and can fill that role for any franchise.

Judge's ability to get on base, drive in runs and create energy among his teammates and fans are traits that cannot be ignored. In pursuit of another world title, the Dodgers would be doing themselves a disservice if they did not tinker with the chemistry of the team in an attempt to bring him in.

However, that doesn't mean there is no risk involved in targeting Judge at Turner's expense.

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...But Not Without Hesitation

Foregoing Turner in favor of making a play for Judge can backfire in two ways.

First, making a run at Judge could alienate Turner and make it possible that the Dodgers sign neither player. There would likely be hurt feelings on the part of Turner should he notice a lack of movement on a new deal because the team is focusing its efforts elsewhere, making it likely he takes a big-money offer elsewhere.

There is no guarantee the team could even convince Judge to make the move across the country, either. He made his desire to stay in New York crystal clear earlier this year and continues to do so:

Second, even if the team secures Judge, it leaves the Dodgers without a starting shortstop. Obviously, they would not sink an otherworldly amount of money into Judge and still retain the services of Turner. It is not fiscally feasible.

That would leave the team with Gavin Lux at a key position on the field, something the 2020 world champs are unlikely to let happen.

If they did, and with no disrespect to the 25-year-old who played in 129 games in 2022 and drove in 42 runs, it would be a noticeable hole in the defense and one that teams could look to exploit.

In a year when there will be any number of high-end shortstops available in free agency, the Dodgers would seemingly have to do their due diligence and look into a Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa or Dansby Swanson.

Maybe they will at someone like Elvis Andrus to fill the gap while still courting Judge.

Whatever the case, the team cannot ignore the shortstop position in favor of the headline-making slugger. At least not without eyeing serviceable players to fill the void until Lux or another youngster is ready to step in and be the long-term answer at the position.

Still, despite every question that may spring to mind, such as Judge's lackluster playoff stats, there is no denying how special a player he is.

Every time fans and critics grow frustrated by his struggle to produce in the playoffs, he comes through with a sensational defensive play that makes up for it, such as robbing Alex Bregman of at least one RBI in Game 2 of the ALCS:

The situation will be interesting, should it play out as Feinsand suggests. And any deal would be one that would be closely scrutinized for generations to come.

Still, the Dodgers owe it to themselves, the fans and any aspirations the organization has of adding another World Series title to its storied franchise to at least engage Judge in talks. Even if it means watching one of the elite shortstops in baseball move on.