The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a pair of trades Friday to further address their bullpen and roster depth, yet the main question remains Justin Turner and his free agency as the start of Spring Training rapidly approaches.
The Dodgers’ have been linked to Turner throughout the offseason, but so too have several other clubs. He’s recently drawn reported interest from the likes of the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets.
Signing with the Mets would represent a reunion as Turner spent parts of four seasons with them prior to being non-tendered ahead of the 2014 campaign.
There is an expectation Turner may soon arrive at a decision, and according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Dodgers and Brewers have made contract offers while the Mets and other clubs appear to have fallen behind in the sweepstakes:
Star 3B Justin Turner has multiyear offers from at least the incumbent champion Dodgers and the Brewers. His hometown Dodgers are naturally seen as the favorite but Milwaukee is said hopeful. Mets, Jays and Braves are among others linked to JT but seem less likely for now.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 13, 2021
Early into the offseason it was reported Turner sought a four-year contract. The slow-moving free agency and general lack of spending across the sport suggested such a deal may not come to fruition.
Turner presumably would be open to signing a three-year pact, though indications so far have been the Dodgers preferred a contract two years in length. A compromise could be a two-year contract with some sort of option for 2023.
The Dodgers have a clear need at third base and have been clear about their desire to add a right-handed bat to the lineup. Re-signing Turner would check off both of those and preserve the clubhouse’s chemistry and leadership amid a offseason that already brought about plenty of change.
Friedman: Dodgers not out of signing Turner
Although the Dodgers have not been a team that outright refused to exceed the luxury tax threshold, they appeared to at least be aware of the competitive balance penalties over recent seasons.
So when the club signed Trevor Bauer to a record-setting contract, there were some questions as to whether or not it would affect their pursuit of Turner. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman denied that being the case.
“We’re committed to doing everything we can to put together the best roster that we can,” Friedman said. “Obviously it’s difficult for me to comment on a specific free agent, but I think it’s pretty well documented what we think of J.T. and what he’s meant to this organization.
“As far as how that’s going to play out, we will see.
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