While the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a few modest additions this offseason, most of the attention has centered around players who departed the organization.
Tyler Anderson, Andrew Heaney, Tommy Kahnle, Chris Martin and Trea Turner were among those who quickly found new homes at the start of free agency. Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner became late additions to the open market as a result of tough decisions the Dodgers faced.
Bellinger was non-tendered and went on to sign a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. Turner had his $16 million club option declined for the 2023 season, and while there was a mutual interest for a return, he ultimately inked a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Bellinger and Turner were two of the Dodgers’ longest-tenured players before joining their respective new teams. Chris Taylor believes it will be strange not seeing them next season but hopes they find success in their next chapter, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“It’s a little different feeling, for sure. It’s sad to see a lot of those guys. Some of my best friends and longtime teammates, and I’m going to miss them. I wish them all the best in their new homes.”
Taylor’s sentiment is one that is shared by many past and present members of the Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw recently said it will be odd not having Bellinger and Turner in the clubhouse this year, while Manny Mota recognized the two by posting a heartfelt message on Instagram.
Bellinger had been with the Dodgers organization since getting selected in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He made his debut in 2017 and became a fixture in the lineup from that point on.
Turner signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers in 2014 and went on to become a clubhouse leader, pillar in the community, two-time All-Star and holder of multiple franchise postseason records.
How do Dodgers replace Cody Bellinger & Justin Turner?
When the Dodgers non-tendered Bellinger, it created a need for a center fielder. The team has been linked to several players on the trade market but thus far only signed Jason Heyward and Steven Duggar to Minor League contracts.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers essentially replaced Turner with J.D. Martinez, who is expected to be the club’s everyday designated hitter in 2023.
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