Trea Turner joins Nationals' Double-A affiliate

Trea Turner is finally within the Nationals' organization. Turner joined Double-A Harrisburg Sunday, according to Mike Saeger, the play-by-play voice of San Diego's Double-A affiliate. MLB.com's William Ladson confirmed the report, which makes the December trade official and complete.

Turner, 21, was sent from San Diego to Washington in the December deal three-way trade which also involved Wil Myers and the Tampa Bay Rays. Initially, Turner was deemed the player to be named later in the deal because he was not eligible to be traded at the time of the proposed transaction.

Jeff Berry of CAA, who represents Turner, was frustrated by the situation and was determined to take action. Berry told FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal he would "vigorously pursue all courses of action" and even considered a grievance that would get the players' union involved.

Major League Baseball rule 3(B)(6) explains a drafted player cannot join another organization for one year after assigning his initial contract. As a result, Turner was required to remain with the Padres through spring training for the the first few months of the season knowing he was dealt to Washington.

Turner was the 13th overall pick in the 2014 draft and was named the 65th best prospect in baseball by Baseball America heading into the season. San Diego kept Turner healthy but likely gave more playing time to several other players within the organization before finding a slot for him.

As Turner prepares to join the Nationals' affiliate, the rule that prevented him from joining the organization sooner is no longer being discussed. Last month, Major League Baseball altered the player to be named later rules, enabling players selected in the draft to be traded beginning the day after the World Series.

Washington views Turner as a potential long-term replacement for Ian Desmond and the Padres may have dealt him because they were impressed by his arm and did not exclusively see him as a shortstop. Turner posted a .323/.406/.448  batting line between low and Class-A last season and posted five home runs and 23 stolen bases. He is batting .322/.385/.471 with five home runs to this point in 2015.