Dodgers make Turner signing official!

The Dodgers officially announced Turner’s return. There was no room on the 40 man roster so in order to make room for JT, the Dodgers announced Caleb Ferguson was placed on the 60 day IL.

Justin Turner announced on his Twitter account that he’s returning to the Dodgers. The agreed-upon deal according to Ken Rosenthal is 2 years and $34 million dollars, with a club option for a 3rd year and an $8million dollar signing bonus. The total value of the deal could be 3 years and $48 million if the club option is exercised. He could make as much as $52 million if he hits escalators tied to MVP voting. Turner will be entering his age 36 season. He’s been the Dodgers most consistent hitter over his 7 seasons with the team.

JT will be returning to his regular third base position for his 8th year with the Dodgers. Despite some injury issues this past season, he hit .307 and Ops’d at .860. He definitely fills that need the Dodgers have been talking about in a right-handed bat. They’ve been looking for a hitter who hit’s lefties well, and Turner hits lefties fine, but he hits much better against righties. Turner is known for being one of the Dodgers best hitters in the postseason during his time here. He always seems to put up good at-bats and come up with timely hits. His defense has been steadily declining, but it’s hard to forget that he came up big on defense during the playoffs. He’s a big-time performer, and that’s something the Dodgers need. 

Caleb Ferguson was once a highly rated starting pitcher in the Dodgers system and it just never worked out. However, Ferguson had carved himself a role in the bullpen where he had a pretty good year in 2018, a little struggle in 2019 but was lights out in 2020 before his arm injury. Ferguson tore his UCL in September and had to undergo Tommy John Surgery, which will keep him out all of 2021. I hope he comes back healthy because he was a dependable lefty out of the pen the last few years and could be a really good reliable reliever once he returns.

Turner wanted to come back, and the Dodgers needed someone to fill the role for a year or 2 while Kody Hoese gets ready. This should be a good deal for both sides. Welcome back, 2 LA Turner. All the best to Caleb Ferguson on his rehab from Tommy John.