November 23rd, 2020 at 10:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka Let’s face it, the mere thought of Justin Turner in any other baseball uniform than a Dodgers uniform is simply unfathomable. He is as much a part of LA Dodgers history as was the Think Blue sign that once overlooked the most beautiful ballpark in all of baseball. (Attention: Stan Kasten).
The Long Beach, CA native and seventh-round draft pick in 2006 by the Cincinnati Reds out of Cal State Fullerton was signed by the Dodgers as a free agent on February 6, 2014, when the New York Mets (thankfully) elected not to re-sign him, and he and wife Kourtney immediately became as much a fixture in Los Angeles as was that aforementioned – and very beloved – Think Blue sign.
But the Think Blue sign is gone, and so, too, may be Justin Turner.
Unfathomable?
Absolutely.
Possible?
Absolutely.
When the final out of the 2020 World Series was recorded, the heavily bearded redhead (and Dodgers ‘unofficial’ team captain) once again became a free agent. And while one would think that re-signing him would be a no-brainer, Turner celebrated his 36th birthday on Monday, November 23, and to be brutally honest, 36 is rather old for an everyday baseball player.
In his seven seasons with the Dodgers (over his 12-year MLB career), Turner boasts an exceptionally good slash line of .302 / .383 / .503 / .886, with 116 home runs and 406 RBI in a Dodger uniform, and his career slash line currently sits at .292 / .369 / .469 / .838. And while these numbers may not be Hall of Fame-worthy, they most certainly could be.
But as we saw during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and even more so during the postseason and especially the 2020 World Series, the Dodgers are rather deep in very good third basemen – most notably 26-year-old Edwin Rios and 27-year-old Matt Beaty.
That being said and as a credit to his outstanding work ethic, Turner slugged six home runs in the 18 postseason games in which he appeared, whereas Rios hit only two and Beaty none … so there’s that.
But here again, does Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, who was recently named as MLB’s Executive of the Year, really want to sign a 36-year-old to a multi-year free-agent contract?
I’m guessing Yes and No. Yes, in that Turner tied 26-year-old Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager for the highest batting average during the 60-game 2020 regular season at .307, but No, in that signing a 36-year-old to a lengthy free-agent contract is very risky.
…unless the extremely popular (bearded) face-of-the-franchise is willing to give Friedman and the Dodgers a hometown discount – something in the two-year / $40 million-ish range with performance incentives (and perhaps a mutual option for a third year). This would take him through his age 37 (38) years; indeed risky, but it’s hard to overlook that .307 thing at age 35.
What say you, Dodger fans?
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I think interest in Turner will be high. Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals would love to have him for the next couple of seasons. AZ Diamondbacks might also make him an offer, but I don’t see JT wanting to play in the NL West. Turners AAV with Dodgers was $16M, and with his declining defense I think he might come back for that same money. I know that Rios has looked much better at third, but he does not have the range to play there on a regular basis. I like Matt Beaty, but his infield defense is just horrible, even at first base — look for him to be traded with Zach Mckinstry taking his place. The South Korean infielder Kim can also play third base, a guy the Dodgers should sign.
Many factors to consider. DH or no DH in NL next year, and if there will be a full 162 game season. A shorter season with the DH would make sense to bring Turner back. Full season and no DH, I don’t know if it’s as likely for JT to be LA again.
I agree with SCB above: signing Ha-Seong Kim seems like a Frieman type move. There will likely be holes in LA at 3B, SS, or 2nd in the next year or so. A RH 25 year old that can play all three and won’t get the money a domestic player would sounds like an opportunity to acquire a bargain. Such a move could make extending Buehler, Seager, Urias, Bellinger easier in the next few seasons.
Concerning Nolan Arenado: don’t trade for him now. He’s so sick of playing for Rockies if he has a normal season he’ll opt out. He’d get something like Rendon did on the open market, but would only cost $$ and a draft pick. Trading for him now after an injured year is taking on way more risk, at a higher cost of $$ and prospects. Not the sort of move Friedman seems to search for.
Turner back on a 1 year deal with an option. 10-12 million per year. Add a few relievers, hopefully Ha-Seong Kim and run for a repeat in 2021.
I agree don’t trade g for Arenado. Denver half his games are in hitter friendly Coors field. Not pitcher friendly Dodger stadium. Not worth what it would cost. We need to be able to keep our own players when they become free agents.Not over pay for Nolan.
Arenado is a (very) nice-to-have, not a got-to-have.
JT will give the home town discount to finish his career in a Dodgers uniform and have a shot at another ring. Signing him coasts less in dollars, zero in prospects, and exposes them to no more risk of injury than if they got Arenado. Plus they have Rios(and more) as a back up if JT gets hurt.
One, of many, qualities I appreciate in Andrew Friedman is his inventive approach to contracts. The Dodgers are more concerned about long term AAV for CBT purposes than total dollars. We could see the Dodgers sign Turner for 3 years with a large upfront bonus that guarantees him $40M, but averages $13.3M
Braves just signed Charlie Morton
They have picked up two, solid middle of rotation starting pitchers (Smyly being the other0. I expect them to give Justin Turner a call to see if he is interested in getting the Braves to the WS in 2021
It’s something the way baseball players grow on you. I’d like to see Justin Turner resigned by the Dodgers, only because I can’t see him playing for somebody else.