MLB rumors: Justin Turner has unrealistic expectations in free agency
Justin Turner may be seeking an impossible deal in free agency this offseason.
Justin Turner has been a key piece for the Los Angeles Dodgers at third base ever since joining the team back in 2014. Now he is a free agent and reportedly has quite the high asking price at the age of 36.
Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe is reporting Turner wants a three-year deal from the Dodgers. That is a lot to ask given his age and the fact the Dodgers may pursue other big names this offseason. Is such a deal possible?
Turner’s high asking price this offseason
Spotrac has Turner’s market value at just under $14 million annually. He has posted a 28.9 WAR with the Dodgers over the past seven seasons and just slashed .307/.400/.460 in 2020. So it makes sense why he still values himself so highly.
Abraham also reported the Dodgers would love to keep Turner. But if the team waivers in negotiations there should be other contenders out there willing to give Turner a multi-year deal. Getting to three years may be the difficult part unless the final year is a club option.
Turner is not a defensive star, but he could end up being a great DH in the American League. That is one scenario in which a multi-year deal makes more sense. There would be less fear of him being a liability in the field as the contract progresses.
The Dodgers are one of the few teams that doesn’t seem to have much of a budget. But that doesn’t mean they aim to make bad deals and Turner may have to settle for a contract that features club options if he wants to stay in Southern California. That allows for more flexibility if Turner regresses and means the team could add a top star at the position without having to worry about Turner’s money.
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MLB front offices are wary of paying players for past performance. Turner is 36 years old and that is a major knock against him this offseason, even after a great 2020. He has to hope his agent can convince the Dodgers, or other teams, there is no regression in sight and Turner is too valuable to not have in a lineup.