While the Los Angeles Dodgers have been busy in recent days, there is still one move they have yet to make. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stated the team coveted a right-handed bat, and re-signing Justin Turner has long been considered the primary option.
Pitchers and catchers are getting set to report to Spring Training this upcoming week, yet Turner still remains unsigned and the Dodgers have not brought in any bats to replace him.
It appears Turner may be nearing a decision though as it was reported that both the Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers made multi-year contract offers. While the Dodgers still are considered the favorites to sign him, the offer from the Brewers is believed to be similar to that of the Dodgers, according to Robert Murray of FanSided:
Brewers’ multi-year offer to Turner is said to be competitive. The Dodgers remain the favorite, and one source believes it is “unlikely” he leaves LA, but the Brewers are hopeful. https://t.co/8eVLJ6Y6T2
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 13, 2021
Turner has been the heart and soul for the Dodgers over the last few years and is known to love playing in his hometown of L.A., so it is hard to believe he would choose the Brewers if the offers are similar.
It has been reported all offseason that the Dodgers have been only willing to give Turner a two-year contract though, and he has been searching for three or four years.
The Dodgers will be the favorites to win the World Series with or without Turner in 2021, but there is no doubt that everyone in the organization would love to have him back.
Bauer signing doesn’t impact Turner interest
L.A.’s biggest splash of the winter to this point has been signing Trevor Bauer to a three-year, $102 million contract to bolster their starting rotation.
That move took them over the luxury tax threshold, but according to Friedman, it does not impact the Dodgers’ interest in Turner and other free agents.
The Dodgers’ ownership group has proven that they are willing to do whatever it takes to repeat as champions this season, and re-signing Turner may be the final piece to the puzzle.
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