Traded pick Turner can't join Nationals until June, reportedly considering grievance

Trea Turner is eager to begin his career with the Washington Nationals. But for six more months, he's required to play for an organization that has reportedly traded him.

The San Diego Padres dealt Turner, a shortstop selected with the 13th overall pick in this year's draft, to the Nationals on Friday as part of a three-team, 11-player trade involving the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Turner wasn't referred to by name, however, during the official announcement. Due to an outdated rule, Turner's inclusion in the deal is only acknowledged by "Player to be Named Later."

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports explains:

Major League Baseball rule 3(B)(6) states that a drafted player cannot be assigned to another club for one year after signing his original contract. Thus, Turner must spend spring training and the first part of the season with the Padres, knowing he has been traded.

Multiple reports, including from MLB.com, confirmed Turner is indeed the PTBNL and a key part of the blockbuster trade. Even Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo acknowledged what he called an unprecedented situation that requires trust on the part of both clubs to do right by the player. Most draft picks aren't included in offseason trades, especially not ones of Turner's caliber.

Turner's agent, Jeff Berry of CAA, said it's "unconscionable" his client must remain with a team that has already traded him, suggesting San Diego "has zero concerns, motivation or interest in his health, development or performance."

Rosenthal said Berry is considering filing a possible grievance in conjunction with the players union.

"(We) will vigorously pursue all available courses of action to remedy this situation," Berry told FOX Sports on Friday.