NL West Rival Targeting Former Dodgers Star Justin Turner
Former Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner is on the free agent market once again after declining his option with the Boston Red Sox. He is looking for spots around the league that would primarily use him as a designated hitter, due to his age, and he showed that he still had some pop in his bat last season.
In 146 games played last year, Turner hit .276 with 23 home runs and 96 runs batted in. He was a solid addition to the Red Sox lineup and should be in for a nice payday this offseason.
There were some rumors that he could come back to LA, but that seems unlikely at this point. But he could make his way back to the NL West, as MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the Arizona Diamondbacks are targeting Turner this offseason.
“The Diamondbacks still would love to sign DH/IF Justin Turner to replace the leadership and bat of Evan Longoria.”
Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Arizona bringing in a guy like Turner makes all the sense in the world, especially after their run to the World Series last season. They were missing that one presence in the locker room that has been there before and could lead the way, and that could be Turner.
He is loved by the guys in whatever clubhouse he is in and was for years while with the Dodgers. Turner has a calming attitude, and he leads by example, which the Diamondbacks would love to have.
Turner would probably be open to joining Arizona since they are looked at as a potential contender now, and it would get him back on the West Coast. There were rumors last offseason that he never wanted to leave the Dodgers, in part because of the geographic location.
It would sting a little to see Turner end up back in the NL West, away from the Dodgers, but the team has seemed to move on. They have bigger fish to fry nowadays, and Turner has to do what is best for him and his family.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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I hope Turner waits until Ohtani signs before making up his mind. Dodgers could bring him back if they lose out on Ohtani.
Is MLB going to expand the Dodgers roster, so they can sign all of the free agent players that are looking to sign large multi-year contracts?
Every time I look, I see that the Dodgers are looking to sign everyone that’s available
Come on, ger real. They already have a good team and a Damm going manager. They certainly don’t need anymore super stars on that team, then they already have
They need (desperately need) pitching, Bob
JT was great as a Dodger, both performance and personality, I’d love to see him back, but I just don’t see a spot for him next year. Maybe in a couple more years as front office/coaching/managing, but for now I just don’t see it.
I took hope that the Dodgers bring back Justin Turner. He is valuable in so many ways, both on the field and off. He’s a great clubhouse presence. Also a major Dodger fan favorite.