Justin Turner Wants to Keep Playing in 2025, Could Dodgers Reunion Take Place?
Former Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman and one of the all-time fan favorites is not done playing baseball.
Justin Turner, who turns 40 in November, said that he “100 percent” intends to play again in 2025.
“I still feel good, still feel like I have a lot to contribute,” Turner said. “And I absolutely love spending time around these guys and the conversations and questions and helping guys try to figure things out.”
Turner emphasized that returning to the Mariners, the team he joined at the trade deadline, would be one of his preferred options among potential suitors, as Turner is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
“I’ve talked to a lot of guys, and I’ve enjoyed my time here – I would love to be back and be a Mariner,” Turner said. “And I guess when that time comes, we’ll see what happens. … This is a fantastic clubhouse. And like I said, it’s a core group of guys that is going to be together for some time, and I think they have a chance to do some special things.”
Turner is currently the oldest position player in MLB who has been on an active roster all season, yet his performance has remained consistent. He finished the season with a batting average of .261 with five home runs, six doubles, 22 RBIs, 20 walks, and 34 strikeouts across 187 plate appearances, resulting in a .753 OPS, which ranks fourth on the team.
Additionally, he has provided invaluable veteran experience to one of the younger clubhouses in the league.
While Dodger fans would love to see Turner back home at Chavez Ravine, he might not be a good fit at this time. Turner has turned into a full-time designated hitter with periodic starts at first base but the Dodgers have an everyday first baseman in Freddie Freeman and the DH moving forward will be dependent on Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani will DH when he isn’t pitching which isn’t fair to a veteran like Turner who should play more often than once every five or six games.
Turner is set to earn $19.7 million this year, consisting of $13 million from a one-year deal with the Blue Jays and a $6.7 million buyout from his former contract with the Red Sox.
With a clear market expected for him this winter, he has officially stated his intention to explore his options.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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