Justin Turner returns to Los Angeles Dodgers on two year deal

Justin Turner is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a two year deal worth $30 million, solidifying the team as the 2021 World Series favorites.

Justin Turner and the Los Angeles Dodgers are reuniting to pursue back to back World Series titles.

The deal is for two years, $30 million and further solidifies that Dodgers as the team with the highest payroll in Major League Baseball.

Turner has been everything the Dodgers could have hoped for in his seven years with the team. He’s played at least 100 games in each full season and posted an OPS+ of 139. In 42 games last season, he slashed .307/.400/.460 for an OPS of .860.

After the team signed Trevor Bauer, there was doubt that they’d be willing to shell out the money for Turner. The Bauer signing put them well above the luxury tax threshold and the New York Mets were rumored to be in the mix for his services.

Well, clearly the Dodgers don’t care about the luxury tax. They’re riding high after winning the 2020 World Series, and they’ve only gotten better this off-season. The Dodgers are the runaway favorites to repeat as champions in the 2021 season and they got there by being willing to spend big money on exceptional talent.

This was the right decision for both parties. The best years of Turner’s career have come with the Dodgers. He’s been a major cog for a winning team year after year. It would have been foolish to allow money to get in the way of a reunion.

Turner is likely entering the last stretch of his career. Heading into his age 36 season, he’s looking to give everything he has left in the tank to a team poised to give him another ring. Justin Turner and the Los Angeles Dodgers are just perfect for each other and it’s good to see them reunite for another title run.