Walker Buehler contract lets Dodgers focus on final major offseason priority
The Dodgers have avoided arbitration with Walker Buehler and can turn their attention to the final major offseason priority.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are having quite the exciting offseason. They went into the winter as champions and only got better after winning the Trevor Bauer sweepstakes.
There were still other matters at hand and one was taken care of late Wednesday night as Walker Buehler avoided arbitration with a solid two-year deal. Now the attention can turn to the final piece of the roster puzzle.
The Dodgers have avoided arbitration with RHP Walker Buehler, signing him to a two-year, $8M contract, a source tells @TheAthletic. The deal includes a $2M signing bonus, $2.75M salary in 2021 and $3.25M salary in ‘22.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 11, 2021
One final priority for Walker Buehler and the Dodgers
For those unaware, Buehler got a sweet deal considering he cannot hit free agency until after the 2024 season. But getting Buehler back was not a surprise. It was just a matter of figuring out his salary.
Getting his deal out of the way now allows the front office to turn its full attention toward signing Justin Turner.
The Dodgers are well into the luxury tax and don’t seem to care one bit. By getting the Buehler deal done following the Bauer news, the front office can figure out the maximum amount they are willing to spend on Turner. But once again, money may not be a concern.
The 36-year-old Turner has been linked to several teams this offseason in the rumor mill. However, there has been no real sign the Dodgers are planning to move on from him. And even if a team gives him a nice offer, the Dodgers would likely have a chance to counter.
Turner had his breakout year in 2014 after heading to Los Angeles and has posted a combined 28.9 WAR in seven seasons. He just wrapped up a four-year, $64 million deal and Spotrac has his current market value around two years and $28 million. Such a contract should be an afterthought for a Dodgers team paying Bauer record money.
The Dodgers are in their own class when it comes to money. But they still want to make sure they are getting value for their money. Turner posted a 1.5 WAR in 42 games last season and posted a 1.066 OPS in the World Series.
Next. What the Dodgers rotation looks like with Trevor Bauer. dark
He sure appears to be worth it and it would honestly be a shock if Turner isn’t signed by the Dodgers before the start of Spring Training.