The Los Angeles Dodgers have several important decisions to make this offseason, including whether or not to bring Justin Turner back. The team holds a $16 million team option on the two-time All-Star for the 2023 season with a $2 million buyout if they choose to decline it.
Turner has been among the Dodgers’ most important players since joining the team in 2014, but a $16 million price tag is steep for a player entering his age-38 season.
Turner has said multiple times that he hopes to return to the Dodgers, but is still waiting to hear if the club will pick up his option. L.A. must make a decision by the fifth day after the World Series ends.
During a recent appearance on “Roggin And Rodney,” Turner reiterated his desire to finish his career with the Dodgers, via AM 570 L.A. Sports:
“I’m hoping everything works out and it’s in the Dodger uniform because obviously I’ve spent the last nine years here, my career has taken off here, our foundation has been doing wonderful things here and we want to continue that. It would be great to end my career as a Dodger, but things don’t always go as planned.”
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 batted .278/.350/.438 with a 123 wRC+ this season despite a slow start and remains one of the better all-around third basemen in baseball. However, Turner hit just .154/.313/.154 in four National League Division Series games against the San Diego Padres.
Justin Turner thanks Dodgers fans after winning Roberto Clemente Award
Turner became the third Dodgers player to win the 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.
Fans had the ability to vote for a winner through October 5, and Turner thanked those who supported him along the way. Turner had the highest number of fan votes for the award.
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