Report: Dodgers, Turner agree to 4-year, $64M deal
Justin Turner is headed back to Chavez Ravine.
Hours after reportedly repatriating closer Kenley Jansen, the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly agreed to a four-year, $64-million deal with the third baseman, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Turner is the latest Dodgers free agent to return to the team. Jansen agreed to come back on a reported five-year, $80-million deal Monday, while left-hander Rich Hill inked a three-year, $48-million contract during the winter meetings. All told, the Dodgers have reportedly shelled out $192 million to retain the trio.
By bringing Turner back into the fold, Los Angeles will retain one of its lone right-handed power threats in 2016. The Dodgers struggled against southpaws last season, posting a mediocre .213/.290/.332 line with just 37 homers compared to .264/.331/.441 versus righties.
Turner, a Long Beach native who played college baseball at Cal State-Fullerton, resuscitated his career after landing in Los Angeles three years ago following failed stints with the Orioles and Mets. The 32-year-old has hit .296/.364/.492 with 50 home runs as a Dodger; last season he set career highs in homers (27), doubles (34), and runs scored (79) while playing over 150 games for the first time.
Across eight big-league seasons, Turner owns a .282/.348/.439 slash line with 58 homers, 138 doubles, and 282 RBIs. He's also been at his best in October, owning a 1.078 OPS in 18 postseason games since 2014.
The St. Louis Cardinals had reportedly been in pursuit of Turner earlier this offseason.