While the trade market has picked up in recent days, MLB free agency remains a slow-moving process. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, they have yet to make decisions on any of their seven free agents, a group headlined by Justin Turner.
The 36-year-old reportedly is seeking a three-year contract but has drawn interest from only a couple teams thus far. Excluding the Dodgers, the only known club that has reached out is the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays presumably value Turner’s leadership and believe he would be a good fit on their young roster. However, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hoping to play third base next season, there doesn’t appear to be a clear match.
The Dodgers have reportedly made it known that they prefer re-signing Turner as opposed to pursuing alternates like Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu. That said, they are allowing the veteran to explore all of his options.
During an appearance on MLB Network’s “High Heat,” David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports told Christopher Russo there has been no progress in talks between Turner and the Dodgers, via MLB.com:
“Where Justin Turner stands, still we don’t know. We know that the Dodgers are allowing him to explore free agency. I’m not sure where that process is with Justin and the Dodgers, but from what I was told [Monday] night, the Dodgers are definitely in the mix for DJ LeMahieu, who would really fit in nicely to be able to play second base and also third base.”
Even as he is in the later stages of his career, Turner again was a steady presence for the Dodgers this past season. He appeared in 42 games and hit .307/.400/.460 with nine doubles, four home runs and 23 RBI.
Turner uncharacteristically was a bit slow to get going during the postseason but did string together a seven-game hitting streak that spanned from Game 3 of the National League Division Series to Game 6 of the NL Championship Series.
Then after going 0-for-2 with two walks in Game 7 against the Atlanta Braves, Turner hit safely in four consecutive World Series games.
Roberts hopeful Turner will re-sign with Dodgers
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is open to “infusing” the roster with new players, but made it clear he wants Turner back next season. “He’s way up there. He’s way up there,” Roberts said of where re-signing Turner falls on his list of priorities.
“I think what Justin does on the field, in the clubhouse, in the community, he’s one of the Dodger greats. He really is. It’s been six 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.”
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