Los Angeles Dodgers: Alternatives for Justin Turner

Justin Turner has become one of the most controversial players this offseason and is now a free agent. Do the Los Angeles Dodgers invite him back? What are the other options?

Justin Turner shocked Los Angeles Dodgers fans after magically disappearing from game six of the World Series. The viewers would later find out that he had tested positive so he was removed from the World Series immediately.

What became more controversial about the Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman was he joined his teammates on the field after winning the World Series. And as you could imagine, the comments started to roll in and people questioned Justin Turner’s decision to endanger his teammates and the Dodgers staff.

But what is interesting is that Turner’s teammates defended his decision to join the celebration while wearing a mask. Turner has turned into the most controversial person in baseball as of late and it is sort of at a bad time because he is a free agent.

Turner is now 35-year-old but he is still producing at a great rate. Justin Turner has been the heart of the Dodgers offense since 2014 and was a big piece in the Dodgers 2020 World Series title as well, but his future might be in further question after his World Series decision. To clarify, this is all speculation and there are no reports on whether the Dodgers plan on re-signing him or not.

But, here are some key questions for this exercise. Does Los Angeles need him? Does his controversial decision have a huge impact on the Dodgers’ decision? What are the Dodgers’ alternatives?

Los Angeles Dodgers alternative No. 1: Max Muncy can play third base

Option number one for the Los Angeles Dodgers might be to play Max Muncy at third base every day if they do not bring back Turner. Max Muncy has played first, second and third for the Dodgers and even played third 16 times in the 2020 regular season.

Muncy has been another important player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but not quite as much as Justin Turner. Muncy is five years younger than Turner, so he might be a better long term option for the Dodgers than Turner, who is 35-years-old.

Muncy did struggle to hit in the 2020 regular season, but he was an All-Star in 2019. I think Muncy is a great alternative to Turner. Muncy might lack a little in offensive output compared to Turner, but he is used to hitting in the cleanup spot.

The Dodgers are so good offensively and will continue to get better, so losing Turner might not be as big of a hit as some may think.