Dodgers News: Justin Turner Hasn’t Heard from Team About Contract Status
On Monday, Dodgers legend Justin Turner was named the Roberto Clemente Award winner. It was a great reward for him and his wife Kourtney’s outstanding work in the Los Angeles community. With the honor in hand, Turner is also looking for another reward in the form of another season with the Dodgers. At his press conference, he was asked about his future in LA.
The team currently holds a $16 million club option on Turner with a $2 million buyout. If the team elects not to pick up the option, Turner would become a free agent. They could then still sign him in free agency to a new contract, or just let him walk. He says he has no idea what the team plans on doing right now.
“I’m as aware of my contract status as you guys are,” Turner said. “Just in limbo, waiting to hear what’s going to happen. I haven’t heard anything. I haven’t had any conversations. I guess I’m in idle, wait-and-see mode.”
It is a little soon for the talks to have begun, as the Dodgers were eliminated from the postseason just two weeks ago. I’m sure the team is still recovering from the loss, and the front office didn’t expect to have to make a decision this early into the offseason.
But Turner’s contract will definitely be one of the biggest decisions the team has to make, as he’s been one of their most important players since he signed with the team in 2014.
After a slow start to the 2022 season, Turner was red-hot in the second half, finishing with a .278 average, 13 home runs and 81 RBIs. In the NLDS, however, Turner hit .154 (2-13) with three walks and three strikeouts.
Do you think the Dodgers should pick up the option, decline the option and re-sign JT or let him walk altogether? Let us know in the comments below!
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I for one would like to see The Dodgers pick up Justin Turner contract for 2023, because he is the spokesman for the club house and is a great player
Not worth 16 million buy him out if they do sign him buy low he’s at best a pinch hitter like old man Tito was last year
Pick up the option. He is still a HUGE influence in the clubhouse and community. His second half was really good on the field. And–he would be perfect insurance for Vargas. Let Gallo go. Let Alberto go. Bring up Outman. If Justin does well again; extend his contract during the season. He plays a good third base; can DH. If Miguel forces himself into a starting role; so be it. If Outman does the same; so be it.
He was the best hitter in the NL after the all star break. He is a leader in the clubhouse. He does tremendous things in the community. The fans love him. He loves the fans. I can’t imagine seeing JT in another uniform. Along with Kershaw, JT is the face of the franchise.
Justin Turner is still a great Dodger who
Played great in the second half and is a leader on and off the field in Los Angeles
Bring back JT !! He is worth it!
Let some others go first
Justin Turner rocks
He’s going to retire.
No, he needs to retire now with some dignity. Father Time has caught up to JT as he is no longer athletic enough to compete adequately. His reaction time is slow and lethargic, being late on heaters and base running can be a liability. His arm strength has regressed to being weak and inaccurate causing prolonged innings. The leader or influencer of the team will not have the team fall flat with no energy and lack of impact of performance when it counts. I feel he is holding back a couple of other deserving veterans to be the leaders because of his seniority. Sorry but a new captain is needed to move forward especially with the constant postseason eliminations.
If LAD don’t keep JT, I’m done with the D’s
J.T. has been a great Dodger. He’s not in the shape he used to be when he was raking. Lost his power and really struggled again this play off year. Make him a player manager, so he can replace the biggest flop ever…..
The dodgers should have been talking to all the question mark players within days to give them opportunities if they were not likely to stick. Or to give notice to the team they would be looking elsewhere once open negotiations with other teams when allowed. This is lame, unprofessional conduct from a multi billion dollar organization.
He’s a good player, but 16 million?That is not appropriate