When the Los Angeles Dodgers began their homestand with a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, it featured the return of Justin Turner to Dodger Stadium for the first time since leaving as a free agent after the 2022 season.
The 39-year-old spent nine seasons with the Dodgers, earning two All-Star Game selections and winning a World Series championship in 2020, among other accolades.
Turner hoped to re-sign with the Dodgers, but the team went in a different direction and he eventually joined the Boston Red Sox. He began the 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays but was traded to the Mariners at the deadline.
As Turner nears the end of his career, he expressed a desire to potentially find his way back to the Dodgers in some capacity. “That’s not really up to me all the way. It’s a two-way street,” Turner began.
“Would I like to work here someday? I’m from Southern California, I think it’s a great place to be, it’s a great place to play. Obviously, if that opportunity presented itself, it would be something that I really, really took into consideration.”
Turner is also open to playing his final season with the Dodgers if they reach out to him about the possibility. “Yeah. Again, that’s stuff that’s kind of out of my control. I can want a lot of things, but the stars have got to align,” he said.
“I followed along with all the stuff last week with Matt (Kemp) coming back. Signing the one-day contract, I shot him a text and told him I was sad I wasn’t able to be here to celebrate with him. I think that’s something that certainly would be pretty special.”
Turner is due to reach free agency after the 2024 season, but whether he returns to the Dodgers remains to be seen. At present, there isn’t a clear spot for Turner on the 2025 roster with Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy occupying the positions he can play.
Dodgers tribute video for Justin Turner
The Dodgers welcomed back Turner on Monday night by playing a tribute video that featured some of his best highlights on and off the field.
“I’m notoriously long-winded, so I’ll try to keep this short. I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, Kourtney, Bo, thank you guys so much for nine of the most incredible years of my life,” Turner said to Dodgers fans.
“From top to bottom, ownership, front office, staff, players, you guys made this one of the most special times. I can’t say thank you enough. This time in this uniform meant the world to me.
“Dodger fans, you guys are truly amazing and will always have a special spot in my heart. So thank you.”
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