The Los Angeles Dodgers checked off their last remaining and biggest need of the offseason when Justin Turner announced he is re-signing with the team. His deal reportedly is for two yeas, includes a team option for 2023 and escalators based on National League MVP voting.
It long appeared to be the most likely outcome, but several weeks passed with Turner and the Dodgers seemingly at an impasse. The Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays were said to have interest at various points throughout the winter.
By re-signing Turner, the Dodgers most prominently their need at third base and keep a needed right-handed bat to balance the middle of lineup. Turner is also revered in the clubhouse, and upon announcing his intentions, was celebrated by Walker Buehler, Corey Seager and Max Muncy.
We back… @redturn2 @JTFoundation10 @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/oPfoLINBik
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) February 14, 2021
Didn’t catch this last night, but Corey Seager and Max Muncy were excited to see Justin Turner re-signed with the #Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/7mdnarcc7r
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) February 15, 2021
The sentiment shared by Turner’s teammates was expressed by manager Dave Roberts, who twice named the third baseman a focal point for the Dodgers.
Retaining capped off what was a successful offseason for the Dodgers, as they previously made a splash with the signing of reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer. L.A. additionally addressed their bullpen by trading for Corey Knebel and re-signing Blake Treinen.
Dodgers keep clubhouse, franchise leader
Turner’s importance on the field and in the lineup is matched by the leadership he has provided in the clubhouse. Furthermore, Turner is the Dodgers’ all-time postseason leader in games played (72), hits (79), home runs (12), RBI (40) and total bases (135).
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