While the Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to announce their re-signing of Justin Turner, he’s reportedly agreed to a four-year, $64 million contract. Of the Dodgers’ key free agents, Turner was widely perceived as the most likely of the trio to return.
There were questions whether Los Angeles preferred Aroldis Chapman or Jansen and if the club would be willing to sign either to a long-term contract, and it was considered doubtful the Dodgers would extend themselves to re-sign Rich Hill.
Yet, two weeks into December, and the club appears to have locked up the important trio. Hill returned on a three-year contract, and Jansen is said to have agreed to a five-year deal.
Turner put together three straight productive seasons since signing a Minor League contract with the Dodgers prior to Spring Training in 2014.
Turner’s ZiPS projections for the next four seasons is provided via Dan Szymborski on ESPN
| Year | Batting Average | On-base Percentage | Slugging Percentage | Home Runs | RBI | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | .278 | .343 | .462 | 15 | 65 | 3.8 |
| 2018 | .276 | .342 | .452 | 13 | 58 | 3.3 |
| 2019 | .274 | .337 | .446 | 12 | 55 | 2.9 |
| 2020 | .270 | .330 | .435 | 11 | 49 | 2.3 |
One of the projections that immediately sticks out is the lack of power ZiPS foresees from the third baseman. Turner set a career high this season and tied with Yasmani Grandal for the team lead with 27 home runs. That was after Turner set a career high with 16 homers in 2015
What’s more, ZiPS is also calling for a considerable drop in slugging percentage. Turner’s slugged .493, .491, .493, respectively, over the past three seasons. During that span, he’s batted .296/.364/.492 with 81 doubles, 50 home runs and 193 RBI in 386 games.
Aside from offensive production, the 32-year-old has proven to be stellar defensively. Turner was named a Gold Glove finalist this year for the first time in his career. While Turner erased any defensive concerns, it wasn’t enough to overtake Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado for a Gold Glove Award.
