3 teams that could lure Justin Turner away from Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers may look a lot different in 2023 than they did in 2022. Breakout pitcher Tyler Anderson has already left for the Los Angeles Angels, while the team also non-tendered Cody Bellinger and declined Justin Turner’s player option.

With an MVP reward not that far in the rear-view mirror, Bellinger is perhaps the most high-profile non-tendered player in recent MLB history. It’s not hard to come up with a list of teams that would be interested in taking a flier on the 2019 NL MVP.

Turner might not be Bellinger, but there will still be a market. The longtime Dodgers third baseman will be 38 for the 2023 season and did not produce at as high of a level in 2022 as in previous seasons. However, he still was an above-average bat and there’s always a list of teams ready to overpay someone on their namesake alone.

So while Andrew Friedman might have a plan of bringing back Turner for cheaper, Dodgers fans may have to accept the reality that Turner will wear a different jersey in 2023. If that’s the case, here’s a list of teams that make the most sense.

3 teams that could lure Justin Turner away from the Dodgers

3. New York Mets

The New York Mets have certainly kicked themselves over the fact that they let Turner walk years back only for him to become one of the best players in Dodgers history. While the Mets obviously missed Turner’s prime, they could right some of that wrong by bringing him back to the Big Apple in 2023.

Turner himself doesn’t hate the idea of returning to the Mets and if Steve Cohen is going to offer him more than his market value, he would be foolish not to accept. He would get to play for a contending team while also maximize his income for 2023.

New York is certainly lacking a veteran right-handed bat that can offset some of the lefties in the order. Turner can start at DH against southpaws with Daniel Vogelbach on the bench and can play third, moving Eduardo Escobar to second against righties.

The fit certainly is there, and while the Mets did Turner dirty in the past, money does seem to solve everything.

1. Seattle Mariners

After making the playoffs for the first time since 2001, the Seattle Mariners are looking to build on last year’s success to make sure they don’t go another 21 years before making the playoffs again. Seattle already locked up Luis Castillo with a multi-year extension during the season and made a big trade this month by adding Teoscar Hernandez.

Seattle is not a big-market team and they’re probably not going to land one of the big-name free agents this offseason. Instead, expect the Mariners to work around the edges and add quality depth to their young core that could push them over the top.

Turner might be the perfect veteran bat for the Mariners to play third base next season. Eugenio Suarez manned the position last season, but with how the roster is built, it looks like he will be the team’s primary DH in 2023.

Regardless, there’s a spot to fill whether it be at third base or at DH, and Turner could be a cheaper, one-year option for the job. His veteran presence would undoubtedly lengthen Seattle’s lineup and his veteran approach to the game could be fantastic for struggling young players like Jarred Kelenic.

Turner would get to stay on the West Coast and play for a hungry fanbase that’s going to show the team a lot of support in 2023. Seattle has to be one of the most intriguing, under-the-radar destinations for the Dodgers legend.

3 right-handed sluggers Dodgers can sign to replace Justin Turner

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have to replace Justin Turner this offseason. If so, there are some talented right-handed sluggers to sign.