Dodgers reportedly have replacement in mind if Justin Turner doesn’t return

The Los Angeles Dodgers couldn’t lure DJ LeMahieu back to the National League and their talks with Justin Turner don’t seem to be progressing, based on the reports that have surfaced over the last couple of weeks.

It’s not the greatest news in the world, but president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has made the most of his time, upgrading the bullpen to ensure the only other problem area was fortified with a series of four moves.

But now? The urgency surrounding their third base vacancy is even more of a concern now that LeMahieu is back with the Yankees and there continues to be silence on the Turner front. The solution? Apparently the Dodgers are eyeing a number of other options to protect themselves in the event things don’t go their way.

“The Dodgers were involved in the bidding for LeMahieu, and their failure to sign him seemingly would point to a reunion with free-agent third baseman Justin Turner. But the team has compiled a list of infield alternatives, including free agent Marcus Semien,” writes Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.“Semien, 30, would play third base or multiple positions for the Dodgers rather than displace Corey Seager at shortstop, though if he signed a multi-year deal he might be an option to return to short in 2022 if Seager departed as a free agent. Fansided’s Robert Murray reported last month that Semien, a Gold Glove finalist at short in 2019, is drawing interest at both second and third.”

And some Corey Seager insurance?!

Dodgers fans hate to think about that, but this is no doubt a prudent plan from the front office. Semien was an MVP finalist in 2019 before his value took a hit thanks to the shortened 2020 campaign, so if LA can snag him at a discount on a multi-year deal and solve their third base situation in 2021 and potentially their shortstop dilemma in 2022, then fans couldn’t really ask for more.

And don’t worry about the other market competition. The Red Sox perpetually “come up short” in just about all of their offseason endeavors the last few years; the Cubs don’t offer a promising situation thanks to their ongoing teardown; and the Phillies, though looking to contend as soon as possible, won’t exactly be willing to spend big with their financial concerns. Semien may not break the bank, but he’s not going to cost pennies.

Plan A will always be to retain Turner, but there’s hardly any clarity there. The Dodgers are doing their job and lining up other options to protect themselves and fans can’t be upset if this is their top backup scenario.

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