The Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed franchise pillar Clayton Kershaw and also have interest in keeping Justin Turner, who has spent the past nine seasons with the team.
Originally signing with the Dodgers on a Minor League contract in 2014, Turner played his way into their everyday third baseman and clubhouse leader. Though, this past year he split starts between third base and the designated hitter spot in the Dodgers lineup.
In addition to L.A., the Arizona Diamondbacks and Miami Marlins have been among the reported teams with interest in the 38-year-old.
According to Barry Jackson and Craig Mish of the Miami Herald, the Marlins made Turner a contract offer:
The Marlins, looking to add an established hitter who can play both corner infield spots, have made an offer to third baseman Justin Turner, according to an industry source. There are other teams believed to be interested, and the Marlins’ offer is said to be competitive.
The Dodgers held a $16 million team option on Turner for the 2023 season that they declined in favor of paying a $2 million buyout.
Turner overcame a slow start in 2022 to finish the year batting .278/.350/.438 with 36 doubles, 13 home runs, 81 RBI and a 123 wRC+. Although Turner’s power saw a drop off, he set a career high in doubles. It previously was 34 two-baggers, set during the 2016 season.
The Marlins making a strong offer is reminiscent of the Milwaukee Brewers making a strong push in February 2021 to sign Turner before he ultimately returned to the Dodgers.
Over nine seasons with the Dodgers, Turner has hit .296/.375/.490 with 235 doubles, 156 home runs and 574 RBI while appearing in 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
When Turner became a free agent after the 2016 season, he 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.
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