With the performance of Marcell Ozuna in 2020, the Cloverdale Clovers appear focused on retaining his $25 contract for this season and instead shopping infielder Justin Turner (3/$24) according to sources.
Turner, 36, has been a mainstay with the Los Angeles Dodgers since he signed with the club as a free agent in 2014. He fared well in the abbreviated 2020 season, slashing .307/.400/.460 with four home runs, nine doubles and 23 RBI in 175 plate appearances.
According to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times, Turner "seeks a four-year contract" which could limit his options.
Castillo notes that the Dodgers "don’t want to commit more than two years to a 36-year-old third baseman whose mobility has appreciably diminished in recent seasons" and goes on to list a number of other possibilities for the hot corner in Los Angeles should the team's negotiations with Turner fall apart. Turner was tied to the Blue Jays last month, but his market has otherwise been pretty quiet.
He's been a steady contributor since 2015, posting 300+ points annually including 396.5 and 434.5 point seasons in 2016 and 2017. A lifetime .292 hitter, Turner's contract value is likely right on point for his expected contributions in 2021 which should form at least a small trade market for him.
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