Dodgers fan favorite could remain on West Coast as free agency discussions continue
Longtime Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner has shuffled around MLB since the two sides went their separate ways after the 2022 season.
Turner spent his entire 2023 season with the Red Sox before he signed with the Blue Jays for the 2024 slate. Toronto's season didn't go as expected, and the team eventually finished in last place in the American League East, so the Jays dished Turner to Seattle before the trade deadline to get a return on the impending free agent.
At MLB's recent General Manager Meetings, Mariners GM Justin Hollander reported that the organization has discussed a reunion with the veteran infielder. Turner will be 40 years old when the calendar flips to 2025 and may be unable to play third base regularly, but the M's could use him at first base or in the designated hitter role.
Turner's offense has steadily decreased in recent years. He slashed .276/.345/.455 with Boston in 2023 and .259/.354/.383 between Toronto and Seattle in 2024. His most recent season began on a rough note with the Blue Jays, but the infielder's production ticked up when he was traded to the Ms in the first place.
The Mariners and former Dodgers infielder Justin Turner have discussed a reunion for the 2025 season
Despite the small decreases in his offensive presence, Turner could still help the Mariners decrease their league-worst strikeout rate. Seattle fanned 1,625 times last season and could benefit from Turner's 74th percentile strikeout rate and 82nd percentile walk rate.
Turner posted solid defensive metrics at first base last season. He clocked one out above average and two defensive runs saved in his 326.2 innings at first base. The Red Sox, Jays and Mariners tended to avoid playing him at the hot corner, and he's logged just 90 innings at his former home over the past two seasons. Only one of those frames came during his Mariners tenure.
Dodgers fans still have a lot of love for Turner left over from his nine seasons in Los Angeles and his connection to the city. The veteran's offensive regression makes a reunion between him and the Dodgers unlikely, but he could help the Mariners reduce their strikeout rate and bring an experienced presence to their infield should they bring him back for another season.