494 at bats with 4 teams and 2 organizations in one season. Busy year, huh?
Washington Nationals' top hitting prospect Trea Turner is without a doubt the future of the middle infield in the nation's capital. So why would his team send him to Arizona Fall League to exhaust him even more as a taxi squad player (plays two games a week)? Great point! Maybe the previously asked is why the organization has decided to give the 22-year old a full offseason to recuperate for the 2016 season.
Turner, who was taken with the 13th overall pick by the San Diego Padres in the 2014 MLB Draft, has had quite a wild first full professional season, in large part to being traded in a three team trade.
Although being dealt to another team is a part of professional sports, Turner being shipped away was a surprise because MLB rule 3(b)(6) stated that a drafted player cannot be assigned or traded to another team until one year after he signs his first contract. Therefore, Turner would have to play in the Padres' organization until mid-June despite his rights belonging to the Nationals.
Weird stuff, right? The occurrence was unprecedented! Yet, it didn't deter Turner as he was a Texas League (Double-A) All-Star (.322 BA, 5 HR, 35 RBIs, and 11 SB in 58 GP) prior to switching organizations and smacking opposing pitching at a .322 clip with 3 home runs, 19 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases (between Double-A and Triple-A). As a matter of fact, his play with Syracuse (Triple-A) led to him being promoted and collecting his first Major League stolen base, hit, and home run.
With the Nationals not expected to re-sign Ian Desmond, "Terrific Trea" will look to compete with Yunel Escobar for the starting shortstop position next spring.
This year's Arizona Fall League action begins Tuesday with a full slate of games that features Mesa taking on Glendale and Surprise playing Peoria at 12:35 PM MST as well as Salt River hosting Scottsdale for the nightcap.