Even with the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signing Blake Treinen and Pedro Baez joining the Houston Astros, there still are several unsigned free agents who were key contributors on the World Series winning team.
Chief among them is Justin Turner, who has reached free agency for a second time since joining the Dodgers on a Minor League contract in 2014. The last time Turner was on the open market he re-signed with the Dodgers on a four-year, $64 million deal.
It has been suggested the 36-year-old is seeking another contract of four years, while the Dodgers are believed to be more interested in coming to terms on a deal half that length. Nevertheless, L.A. reportedly has re-signing Turner as their preference to all possible options, including DJ LeMahieu.
Although there may be mutual interest in a reunion, Turner has interest from the Toronto Blue Jays and Washington Nationals as well, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic:
He’d like to return to the Dodgers but there’s no shortage of interested teams like the Blue Jays and Nationals.
The Blue Jays have been connected to several free agents over the past few weeks and were previously mentioned as a potential suitor for Turner. Toronto has a need at third base, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has expressed a desire to switch there from first base.
Similarly, the Nationals aren’t exactly set at the hot corner. Carter Kieboom started 30 games as a rookie, and the Nationals also relied on Asdrubal Cabrera and Josh Harrison.
Where would Dodgers go if Turner doesn’t re-sign?
Should L.A. and Turner not come to an agreement, it would leave a sizable void at third base. Max Muncy or Edwin Rios conceivably could step in, but it’s believed the Dodgers would look outside the organization for a replacement.
LeMahieu is the marquee name, but the type of contract he is seeking and that the Dodgers would be required to forfeit a draft pick could be enough to prevent a signing.
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