Trea Turner is using a little star-backed sizzle to help sell himself MLB teams.
The star shortstop and his agents at CAA sent a sizzle reel narrated by Emmy Award winner Jon Hamm to teams on Monday. The reel is set to dramatic music, and shows a variety of footage from Turner’s time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Additionally, Hamm provides commentary regarding why potential suitors should sign the versatile shortstop.
“He can run. He can throw. He plays elite shortstop. He hits. He hits for power,” Hamm says. “He can lead off and be a table-setter, or he can hit second or third and be a run producer.”
Hamm also provides stats that illustrate the kind of player the 29-year-old Turner has been over the past few seasons.
“Since 2019 he’s been the second best position player in baseball according to fangraphs with a 20.1 fWAR,” Hamm says.
“Trea’s the only active shortstop with a lifetime career .300 plus batting average. The last shortstop to finish his career with a .300 average was Derek Jeter,” Hamm later adds.
The sizzle reel also highlights Turner’s sleek style of play and compares it to the approaches perfected by Stephen Curry and Jerry Rice in their respective sports. According to The Post’s Jon Heyman, the Dodgers, Phillies, Cardinals, Red Sox, Cubs and Braves could all be interested in Turner’s services and could net a contract in the nine-year, $275 million range.
Turner was effective for the Dodgers in 2022. He finished the season with a .298 batting average as well as 21 home runs. Turner has shown no sign of slowing down as he approaches free agency. He is part of a strong shortstop free agency group that also includes Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson.
“You have the opportunity to change the direction of your franchise with a centerpiece, a player that gives you a chance to win every day with him at the top of your lineup,” Hamm says. “Focus now because the opportunity will pass you by in a flash.”
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