Washington Nationals: 5 goals for the 2018 season
By Ron Juckett
BUY OUT TREA TURNER’S ARBITRATION YEARS
As Washington builds for tomorrow, they can avoid any future headaches by giving Trea Turner an extension now that carries him through he hits free agency. No muss and no fuss.
Turner has the potential of stealing his way to Cooperstown. In this new era of rewarding younger players with better contracts, what better way for the Nats to show their commitment than keeping his focus on the field and not the wallet?
Arbitration is not an issue for Turner until after 2019. He is not eligible for free agency until the 2022 off-season. Why bother now?
Again, as with Harper, getting a long-term extension with Turner out of the way builds goodwill between him and the Nats and the fans. There is a genuine sense if Harper leaves that fortunes will head south for Washington. A strong deal with Turner changes that perception.
With Anthony Rendon a year away from his free agency, and Victor Robles too raw for a huge contract, giving Turner a four- or five-year contract fits in with their plans. The money is reasonable, something averaging $8-10 million per season works, while the rewards are smart.