Dodgers and Justin Turner Agree on 2016 Contract

Friday morning it was reported that Justin Turner and the Dodgers have agreed on a contract for 2016.

Justin Turner was one of the six Dodgers facing arbitration this offseason. The Dodgers announced this morning that they have come to an agreement for $5.1 million.

In my opinion this is a victory for Dodger fans. Although it was not rumored that Turner may be traded, with this front office you never know. Turner made $2.5 million last season and posted a career high 16 homeruns. He also had a batting average of .294 with over 345 plate appearances and played in 126 games during the 2015 season.

The 31 year-old will be a free agent following the 2016 season, but one thing that is certain, he will be at third base and wearing Dodger blue come opening day in April.

Turner avoids arbitration and with this agreement will make almost double his salary from last year, but given his impressive offensive numbers and defensive ability, it is much deserved.

Jon Heyman of MLB was the first to break the news on Twitter

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I personally had the pleasure of meeting Justin Turner last spring at Camelback Ranch during spring training. He stopped in front of my little brother to sign his baseball and agreed to take a selfie with me. Just like he does with Adrian Gonzalez after rounding the bases. If there’s one thing that makes Justin Turner even cooler than his ability to be a top caliber third baseman, it is his ability to interact with fans in the classiest way, and his deep love for the movie The Sandlot.

As a life-long Dodger fan, I can honestly say I am thrilled to know he will be back for the 2016 baseball season. Here’s to many more Adrian Gonzalez and Justin Turner selfies.