Dodgers: Justin Turner Ranks Amongst Top 10 Third Basemen, Per ESPN
Justin Turner has been the true model of consistency for the Dodgers over the past few seasons in his rise to stardom. We all know his career story and we should all be thankful that we got lucky enough to get him on a minor league deal all those years ago. Despite his numbers tailing off ever so slightly — likely due to age — he is still one of the best third basemen in all of baseball.
In recent columns by Buster Olney of ESPN, Olney dives into his top ten positional rankings in Major League Baseball and the Dodgers are represented.
Amongst third basemen, Justin Turner was ranked tenth.
Top 10 third basemen: Hot corner is lighting up the hot stove — and it's the worst possible time for the Rockies to try to trade Nolan Arenado. https://t.co/pijhrRyUxj
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 8, 2020
Turner, despite his age, got ranked in front of Manny Machado. Turner just barely made the cut in a loaded third base class. Olney had some words about JT:
[adace-ad id=”118525″]“When there is a runner at third base, Turner continues to be one of the hitters that opposing pitchers and managers would least like to see stepping into the batter’s box. He led all third basemen in rate of hard-hit balls.”
Overall
Turner posted a solid 132 wRC+ in 2019 after posting a 154 wRC+ in 2018. His defense took a step back last season, but it is safe to assume that he will be at least at 2019 production levels in 2020 — not on a downward trend.
NEXT: Justin Turner Talks About Abrupt End to 2019 Postseason
I don’t care where anyone ranks Turner. He has been the best Dodger hitter year in and year out since he became a Dodger. And he carries it into the postseason where others fail. I would just like to see this guy get a ring before he retires. He’s earned it.