The Los Angeles Dodgers officially re-signed Justin Turner to a two-year contract that includes a team option for 2023. Caleb Ferguson, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, was placed on the 60-day injured list as the corresponding move on the 40-man roster.
Reports of Turner and the Dodgers agreeing to a contract surfaced last Saturday when he shared the news himself through a video posted to Instagram. Terms of the deal reportedly are two years and $34 million, and include escalators that could bring the total value to $52 million.
At the start of the offseason Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman identified the bullpen and a right-handed bat as areas of focus. He expressed a desire to re-sign some of the club’s free agents, but also encouraged them to explore the market.
Manager Dave Roberts was more direct with his interest in re-signing Turner, stating on multiple occasions he had the third baseman atop his wish list.
“I think what Justin does on the field, in the clubhouse, in the community, he’s one of the Dodger greats,” Roberts said in December. “He really is. It’s been [seven] years he’s been with the Dodgers, and he’s in that elite company.
“His body of work is really special and unique. But it’s a two-way deal here: it’s the Dodgers and Justin and his family. For me, selfishly, I’ll take him for as long as I can have him.”
Turner has hit .302/.382/.503 with 177 doubles, 116 home runs and 406 RBI in 796 games through seven seasons with the Dodgers. He was an All-Star in 2017 and is the franchise’s all-time postseason leader in games played (72), hits (79), home runs (12), RBI (40) and total bases (135).
Turner voiced his appreciation for the constant messages from Dodgers fans during the offseason and gave them some credit in the decision to re-sign.
Turner ranked among top third basemen for 2021
While there have been external concerns over Turner’s play at third base, he was ranked among the top 10 players at his position for the 2021 season.
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