Justin Turner close to re-signing with Dodgers

Oct 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) connects for a single in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs in game five of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly close to reaching an agreement to re-sign third baseman Justin Turner.

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Los Angeles Dodgers have submitted a big offer to third baseman Justin Turner, and are awaiting his approval. The new deal is expected to be a four-year deal, which is what Turner had been seeking. The 32-year-old hit a career-high 27 home runs for the Dodgers last season.

Dodgers have offer on table, awaiting Turner's approval. He's always made clear his preference to return, so sides hopeful.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 12, 2016

Serious interest in Turner from a team other than the Dodgers never materialized. The San Francisco Giants showed early interest, but were taken out of the running after signing closer Mark Melancon. The St. Louis Cardinals were also viewed by some as a potential landing spot, but would have had to make room on their roster by trading Jhonny Peralta. It makes sense for Turner to go back to the Dodgers given that he grew up in suburban Los Angeles and played his college ball at nearby Cal State Fullerton.

After struggling to find a full-time role with the New York Mets, Turner’s career took off with the Dodgers over the past three years. He became a starter in the middle of the 2014 season, and has a .296/.364/.492 line with 50 home runs and 193 RBIs in 386 games. Turner finished ninth in NL MVP voting.

Assuming that both sides can iron out terms, keeping Turner allows the Dodgers to balance out their left-handed heavy lineup. Stars Adrian Gonzalez, Corey Seager and Joc Pederson all bat from the left side. The right-handed hitters on the Dodgers ranked 26th in the league last year with a .689 OPS.

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The Dodgers still have work to do beyond re-signing their third baseman. Closer Kenley Jansen is also being pursued by the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals, and could approach the $86-million contract signed by Aroldis Chapman. If Jansen cannot be re-signed, the Dodgers may view Greg Holland as a fallback option.

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