Having watched the San Diego Padres be declared proverbial winners of the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers made their splash Friday by agreeing to terms with Trevor Bauer on a record-setting three-year contract.
His deal, reportedly valued at $102 million, includes an opt-out clause after both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Bauer’s $40 million salary this year makes him the highest paid player in MLB history, and his potential $45 million earnings next season will then raise the bar.
While adding a third Cy Young Award winner to the starting rotation certainly was a coup for the Dodgers, they still face a pressing need at third base. The common refrain throughout the winter has been the club will re-sign Justin Turner.
According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, the Dodgers remain in negotiations with Turner:
The Dodgers’ offseason might not be done just yet, as the club is engaged in talks to bring back free-agent third baseman Justin Turner.
Now due to blow well past the luxury tax, it would certainly behoove the Dodgers to re-sign Turner as part of their commitment to defend last year’s championship. He not only is an obvious answer at third base, but also represents a right-handed bat the Dodgers have prioritized this winter and is a leader in the clubhouse.
Turner has reportedly drawn interest from the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays throughout the offseason. The Brewers’ interest holds even after their signing of Kolten Wong to a two-year, $18 million contract.
Turner recently was said to have pared down his list of teams to four, though it was unclear who the finalists are. He reportedly has a preference to play for a contending team.
Roberts continues to prioritize Turner
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has long been open with his admiration for Turner, and that has been on full display during free agency. In December, Roberts called the 36-year-old a top priority for the team, and he reiterated that stance last week.
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