Since the early days of free agency, Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman identified re-signing Clayton Kershaw and Justin Turner as top priorities for the team.
Kershaw and the Dodgers quickly came to terms on a one-year contract for the second consecutive offseason, but Turner remains a free agent.
In addition to the Dodgers, he’s drawn reported interest from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Boston Red Sox are close to signing Turner:
Red Sox heavily in mix for Justin Turner along with a couple others. Has been seeking 2 years. Should be signed somewhere soon.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 18, 2022
Red Sox making progress on a Justin Turner deal. Looking close.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 18, 2022
The Red Sox having interest in Turner likely is traced to J.D. Martinez reportedly agreeing to sign with the Dodgers on a one-year, $10 million contract. Turner, who split time at third base and designated hitter this past season, conceivably could slide into spot in the Red Sox lineup that’s vacated by Martinez leaving.
Martinez signing with the Dodgers doesn’t rule out Turner returning, but it presumably does
Turner hit .278/.350/.438 with 13 home runs and a 123 wRC+ this past season despite a slow start. He additionally set a career high with 36 doubles, passing the 34 hit during the 2016 season.
Turner, who received a strong contract offer from the Marlins, has expressed a desire to retire with the Dodgers. In nine seasons with the team, Turner has established himself as a franchise legend and batted .296/.375/.490 with 235 doubles, 156 home runs and 574 RBI over 1,075 games.
He holds several Dodgers postseason records and is the all-time franchise leader in hit-by-pitches.
Justin Turner free agency history with Dodgers
This marks a third time Turner has become a free agent since signing a Minor League contract with the Dodgers.
When he became a free agent after the 2016 season, Turner re-signed with the Dodgers on a four-year, $64 million contract. He again reached free agency after the 2020 season, and returned to the Dodgers on a two-year, $34 million deal that included a team option for 2023.
The Dodgers declined their $16 million option on Turner and paid a $2 million buyout, which made him a free agent.
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