Dodgers News: Turner, Jansen Reject Qualifying Offers

As Expected, it was Reported on Monday that Dodgers Free Agents Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen have Declined the Qualifying Offer

It’s official.

As we all expected, Dodgers Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner have turned down the 1 year, $17.2 million qualifying offer and are now unrestricted free agents. They are now free to sign with any club.

After making his debut with the Orioles in 2008, Turner found his way to Los Angeles on a Non-Roster Invite to Spring Training in 2014. Crediting his success to a leg kick he built into his swing

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over that off-season, Turner would eventually beat out Juan Uribe as the everyday third baseman. Over the next 3 seasons, Turner established himself as one of the very best third basemen in baseball. In his Dodgers tenure, Turner posted a .296/.364/.492 slash line with 50 home runs. Defensive metrics viewed Turner’s glove work favorably, rating him as an above average third baseman in each of the last three seasons. As a result, Turner’s 12.8 WAR over the last 3 seasons has made him the 6th most valuable third baseman in baseball.

With no clear internal replacements and free agent Neil Walker accepting his qualifying offer, re-signing Turner will be a priority this off-season. MLB Trade Rumors, predicts Turner to receive a 5 year, $85m deal on the open market.

Next: Dodgers Trade Howie Kendrick

Jansen, a converted catcher, took on the Dodgers’ closer role in 2012 and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant relievers in all of baseball. The secret to his success? I’ll let Yasmani Grandal explain that one:

That 98 mph cutter allowed Jansen to compile 13.63 K/9 en route to a minuscule 1.83 ERA, 1.44 FIP and a career high 47 saves in 2016. Jansen helped anchor down a bullpen that finally found its feet in 2016 and was a big part of the Dodgers  post season success, recording multiple 5 out saves. No one wants to see Pedro Baez closing in 2017 so re-signing Jansen will obviously be top of the to-do list this winter. MLBTR predicts the same 5 year, $85m contract for Jansen.

Here’s to hoping they’re both in Dodger Blue come Opening Day.