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Can the Blue Jays find an upgrade on Bo Bichette with Trea Turner?
The Toronto Blue Jays are as busy as any team in the MLB following their World Series appearance. While Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t end the way they wanted, the experience has increased their hunger to return. To get there, they need to secure a big bat this winter. Securing the return of Bo Bichette is the easiest way to make that happen. However, there are other free agents available who could get the job done. Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Yoan Moncada, and Kazuma Okamoto are all players who could help. Outside of that group, the Blue Jays could consider a trade.
Heavy.com has proposed a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies for shortstop Trea Turner. This deal gets Toronto its big bat while also creating space for further additions.
Blue Jays Acquire:
Phillies Acquire:
Jose Berrios
Addison Barger
This massive deal would be a win for both teams. While there is no explicit reason to trade Turner, Addison Barger is a promising utility player who could help any team. At the same time, Jose Berrios could solidify the Phillies rotation and help unclog the Blue Jays depth chart. Given what happened during the World Series, it might be better for the Blue Jays and Berrios if he is given a fresh start.
Turner is locked in for another eight years at $27.2 million. Additionally, Berrios will earn $19 million in 2026, with a player opt-out available at the conclusion of the season. If he sticks around, the Phillies would be on the hook for $24 million for an additional two seasons. That would be a welcome price to pay if it turns out to be a great fit in Philadelphia.
Why Jose Berrios and Addison Barger Make Sense For the Phillies in a Trea Turner Trade
Looking at the Phillies’ side of the deal, the additions of Berrios and Barger make sense.
While Barger might not be a big-ticket slugger, he brings a lot to the plate that the Phillies could love. In 2025, he connected for 112 hits, including 32 doubles, a triple, 21 home runs, and 74 RBIs in 135 games.
In addition to his promising hitting profile, he is a utility player who can play the infield and the outfield. Barger played 91 games at third base and the other 57 in right field — both positions that the Phillies are looking to upgrade. Barger isn’t an upgrade on Turner, but he has the potential to take a significant step forward.
Things may have soured between Berrios and the Blue Jays, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be an excellent starter for another organization. The additions of Cody Ponce and Dylan Cease make it difficult for Toronto to find a way forward with the ace.
In 2025, he started 30 games, posting a 9-5 record, a 4.17 ERA, and 138 strikeouts. Berrios has said that he battled a few injuries in 2025. Despite this, it was his fifth consecutive season of starting at least 30 games.
How Berrios Fits Into the Phillies Depth Chart
According to their team page’s depth chart, the Phillies have only Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and Zack Wheeler penciled in for their rotation.
With Wheeler questionable to be ready for opening day, Berrios gives them a mid-to-late rotation starter. They could play new acquisition Brad Keller as a starter until Wheeler returns, then move Keller to the bullpen, where he had his career-best season last year.
Why Trea Turner Makes Sense For the Blue Jays
What makes this trade work is that Barger and Berrios can help the Phillies, while Turner certainly can help the Blue Jays.
The veteran shortstop has the chops to at least match Bichette’s bat, with a bonus.
From a hitting perspective, their 2025 seasons were very similar. Bichette finished with 181 hits to Turner’s 179 hits. As far as home runs are concerned, Bichette hit 18 while Turner connected for 15.
Additionally, they have a near-identical on-base percentage (OBP), with Bichette recording a .357 and Turner recording a .355.
While Bichette has the lead over Turner in RBIs (94 vs 69), that isn’t a stat that either player can control.
One Area Turner Has a Leg-Up on Bichette
However, one area where Turner clearly outshines Bichette is baserunning. Bichette only recorded four stolen bases in 2025. On the other hand, Turner collected 36 stolen bases, the eighth-most in the MLB.
In his 11-year career, Turner has at least 30 stolen bases in seven of those years. In the years that he didn’t, he recorded two (rookie season, 27 games played), 12, 27, and 19.
Circling back to hitting, Turner finished the year with the 10th-most triples in the MLB (7). With the Blue Jays being a top offensive team, adding a player with the ability to hit more triples than most would be a massive boost. Turner would easily add more RBIs to his season totals than the 69 he recorded last year.
This trade proposal makes a lot of sense for Toronto if they strike out on a reunion with Bichette. They can add a similar hitter to their roster who plays shortstop, while having the bonus of a top-tier baserunner.
What the Blue Jays do with their infield will be one area to monitor as the offseason moves closer to Spring Training.
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