The Los Angeles Dodgers made their re-signing of Justin Turner to a four-year contract official on Friday, bringing the club’s 40-man roster to capacity. Turner’s deal is worth a reported $64 million, and includes a $4 million signing bonus.
“I’m excited to return to the Dodgers for another four years,” Turner said. “Playing in Los Angeles has been special for me, and I want to continue to represent and give back to this community and bring our fans the championship they deserve.”
Turner’s return solidifies third base for the Dodgers and he’s among the club’s three key free agents who all re-signed. Turner, like Kenley Jansen, predictably rejected the qualifying offer from the Dodgers at the outset of free agency.
He reportedly drew interest from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and San Francisco Giants, but remaining with the Dodgers was long viewed as the most likely result.
Turner first joined the Dodgers organization in 2014 when he signed a Minor League contract that included an invitation to Spring Training. Turner earned a spot on the Opening Day roster and played his way into a larger role in the ensuing seasons.
This year the 32-year-old was named a Gold Glove finalist for the first time in his career. The accomplishment was further impressive considering Turner was coming off microfracture knee surgery.
Over the past three seasons he hit .296/.364/.492 with 81 doubles, 50 home runs, 193 RBI and a 136 OPS+ in 386 games. This season Turner set a career high with 34 doubles, finished tied with Yasmani Grandal for the team lead in home runs, and tied with Adrian Gonzalez for most RBI.
While the Southern California native has been the Dodgers’ most dependable right-handed bat, manager Dave Roberts has been sure to highlight the strong clubhouse presence Turner provides. At the time of being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, A.J. Ellis referred to Turner as the “heart and soul” of the Dodgers.
“We are extremely happy to announce that Justin Turner will remain a Dodger for years to come. JT has been, and will continue to be, a vital part of the Dodgers on the field, in the clubhouse and in the community,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
“His talent, work ethic, leadership and instincts for the game embodies a lot of what we look for in a Dodger player.”
