While Justin Turner and the Los Angeles Dodgers were able to extend their relationship this past offseason, the free agency process took longer than most anticipated for the 36-year-old.
Turner did not agree to terms on a new contract with the Dodgers until the middle of February, just a couple of weeks before the team’s first Spring Training game.
He reportedly sought a four-year deal before settling on a two-year pact that includes a team option for 2023. The new contract ensures he’ll remain in L.A. through at least his age-37 season.
During a recent appearance on “The Chris Rose Rotation,” Turner noted he was proud to receive a multi-year contract, mostly because it sets the bar for similar players who become free agents in the future:
“That’s a stigma around baseball and that was something that was important to me this (past) offseason going into free agency. Is there’s no room for ‘old guys’ in the game anymore. Like I said, that was something that was important for me to kind of raise the bar and push forward for older players to have opportunities to still sign good deals. There was a lot of talk in the media about wanting a four-year deal, which would’ve pushed me until I was 40.
“I think everyone knew that was a little bit of a stretch, but for me, I do want to play until I’m 40. I want to play as long as I can, until someone has to rip the uniform off my back, because I love the game. Being able to accomplish a contract that I did and kind of raise the bar for like you said, guys like you (Rojas) and guys around the league who love the game and want to play it forever, that’s something that I’m probably the most proud of with what happened in the offseason.”
Since first signing with the Dodgers in 2014, Turner has become a leader in the clubhouse and beloved member of the community through his work alongside wife Kourtney and their Justin Turner Foundation.
His return to the organization was met by plenty of fanfare, not only on social media, but multiple teammates as well.
Turner also revealed he received serious interest from the Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers, with Christian Yelich leading the recruiting efforts for the latter.
Turner thanks Colletti for ‘bringing me to Dodgers’
The Dodgers presented 2020 World Series rings to several individuals of the organization, one of which was former general manager Ned Colletti.
Turner took to Twitter to congratulate Colletti and thank him for signing him over half a decade ago.
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