The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face a busy offseason after an early exit from the 2022 MLB Postseason, and the future of Justin Turner will be among their initial decisions.
The Dodgers hold a $16 million team option on Turner for the 2023 season with a $2 million buyout if they choose to decline it. Although he will be entering his age-38 season, Turner has been a valuable piece to the franchise since joining the team in 2014 and remains a productive player.
However, $16 million is still a steep price to pay, and it appears the Dodgers are still deciding whether to pick up the option or buy him out as Turner said he has not received any word on the team’s plan, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I’m as aware of my contract status as you guys are,” he said. “Just in limbo, waiting to hear what’s going to happen. I haven’t heard anything. I haven’t had any conversations. I guess I’m in idle, wait-and-see mode.”
If the Dodgers decline their team option on Turner, they could still attempt to reach an agreement on a new contract for multiple years and perhaps a lower average annual value.
Turner hit .278/.350/.438 with a 123 wRC+ this season despite a slow start, and he remains among the better offensive third baseman in the game. However, in his last 14 playoff games, Turner has posted a .128 batting average in 47 at-bats with just six hits, one home run, and three runs scored.
The Dodgers also have Miguel Vargas, one of their top prospects, and Max Muncy as potential options at third base if they choose to move on from Turner.
Justin Turner wins 2022 Roberto Clemente Award
Turner was named the winner of the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award, which is presented annually to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Each team nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide winner of the award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character. Turner was the Dodgers’ nominee for the prestigious honor for the fifth time in the past six seasons. Kenley Jansen was the Dodgers’ representative for the award in 2019.
Turner joined Clayton Kershaw (2012) and Steve Garvey (1981) as the only Dodgers to ever win the Roberto Clemente Award since it was first presented in 1971.
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