Dodgers have easy backup plan after missing out of Nolan Arenado

Sometimes, familiarity isn’t a bad thing. Justin Turner is the answer for the Dodgers.

The third base market is expected to pick up tremendously after Nolan Arenado was reportedly traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for a package of prospects. Arenado was the biggest name remaining on the trade market, and now that he’s no longer available, free agents that had been hung out to dry thus far in this slow Winter may finally be able to find a home.

This includes Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. Despite his COVID-19 fiasco as LA was celebrating their first World Series win in decades, Turner is an All-Star level third baseman at his best, and he remains willing to return to the City of Angels. While he’s 36-years-old, a short-term, lucrative deal could benefit both sides.

Dodgers fans were disappointed to miss out on Arenado

Arenado would’ve thrived in Los Angeles. At just 29-years-old and entering the latter part of his prime, Arenado would’ve finally had a chance to prove he can thrive outside of Coors Field. However, this team as constructed won a World Series, and Turner is not a bad alternative. Just last season, Turner hit .307 with four home runs and 23 RBIs. The year before that, in 2019, Turner managed a .290 batting average with 29 home runs and 67 RBIs.

While not the power hitter Arenado is, Turner can provide a solid batting average and protection in the middle of any lineup. If the Dodgers aren’t careful, he’ll be scooped up by another team very, very soon, especially now that the Arenado pipe dream is a thing of the past.