With only six weeks until the scheduled start of 2021 Spring Training, the Los Angeles Dodgers still face significant questions with their roster. Most notably at third base, with Justin Turner among the club’s free agents.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts have both publicly expressed a desire to re-sign Turner. However, Friedman also reiterated his belief that free agents are deserving of an opportunity to vet the market.
In addition to the Dodgers, Turner has been connected to the Toronto Blue Jays. According to Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times, Turner is looking to sign a four-year contract prior to the 2021 season:
Turner seeks a four-year contract, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
It was previously reported the 36-year-old sought a three-year contract in free agents.
Now in the latter stages of his career, Turner may find it difficult to land a deal that extends beyond three years. Once potential caveat to that would be if the fourth season is a team or vesting option.
The Dodgers don’t figure to extend themselves on such a deal, and therefore re-signing Turner presumably is more likely to come in the form of a three-year pact. This is a second time he’s a free agent since joining the Dodgers in 2014 on a Minor League deal.
Turner re-signed with the Dodgers on a four-year, $64 million contract in December 2016. He’s hit .302/.382/.503 with 177 doubles, 116 home runs and 406 RBI in 796 games over the past seven seasons with L.A.
Turner was an All-Star in 2017 and is the Dodgers’ all-time postseason leader in games played (72), hits (79), home runs (12), RBI (40) and total bases (135).
Beyond consistent production on the field, Turner has become a leader in the clubhouse and cherished member of the community. His steady presence has long been championed by Friedman and Roberts, among others, and is a factor the Dodgers take into account with player personnel decisions.
Roberts prioritizing Turner, infusing new energy on Dodgers
Although Roberts said re-signing Turner was a top priority, he also said the Dodgers would stand to benefit from adding new players on the roster.
“I just believe that changing pieces and infusing some new life, some new energy, for me, I think is a good thing,” he said last month.
“It doesn’t always work out the way you might envision, but I definitely think that the culture is certainly in place, but I do think adding new pieces is always welcome for me. But they’ve certainly got to be the right pieces.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
