Clayton Kershaw and Justin Turner have jointly been leaders for the Los Angeles Dodgers and in the community, but the offseason has brought about the end of an era.
Although Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers to return for his 16th season, Turner agreed to join the Boston Red Sox on a two-year contract worth an estimated $22 million. It ends Turner’s career with the Dodgers after nine remarkable seasons that saw him become a two-time All-Star after signing with the team on a Minor League contract.
During an interview with Alanna Rizzo on MLB Network’s “High Heat,” Kershaw raved about his experience being teammates with Turner, his impact in the community and the confidence he instilled:
“J.T. is such a cornerstone of the franchise and has meant so much to me personally, and everything that he has done on and off the field. I texted him this, he always gave me the thought we were going to win the game. You just see him, his mannerisms and demeanor every day, you go to the ballpark thinking that you’re going to win the game when you see him. That’s a compliment I can’t give to everybody.
“We’re going to miss him, I’m going to miss him. It’s going to be so weird to not have him in the clubhouse. I hope he has fun in Boston, just not too much fun.”
During his nine seasons with the Dodgers, Turner hit .296/.375/.490 with 235 doubles, 156 home runs and 574 RBI over 1,075 games. Despite getting off to a slow start in 2022, Turner had another productive season that included setting a career high with 36 doubles.
Coinciding with their time as teammates, Kershaw and Turner have been active in providing for those in need. Both players work with the Los Angeles Dream Center, and have contributed to various initiatives carried out by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.
Ned Colletti recognizes Justin Turner & Kourtney
Former Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti, who was responsible for signing Turner to a Minor League contract in 2014, shared a heartfelt message about the 38-year-old and his wife Kourtney for all they accomplished while in L.A.
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