Check out the Brewers options at third base now that Justin Turner has resigned with Los Angels.
One of the most coveted free agents this offseason is third baseman Justin Turner. The 36-year old veteran is fresh off of a World Series Championship campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Due to the Brewers’ lack of production at third base in 2020, Turner has been a name often mentioned as a fit for the Brewers. Due to his high salary expectation, it did not seem, at first, that the Brewers would be serious contenders for him. That, however, seems to have changed.
Star 3B Justin Turner has multiyear offers from at least the incumbent champion Dodgers and the Brewers. His hometown Dodgers are naturally seen as the favorite but Milwaukee is said hopeful. Mets, Jays and Braves are among others linked to JT but seem less likely for now.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 13, 2021
Possible Contract Details
At 36 years old, this may be Justin Turner’s last chance for a multi-year deal. At the beginning of the offseason, it appeared as if most teams were only willing to offer just one year on a contract. However, Turner and his representatives are insistent on a multi-year deal for roughly $18 million per season.
As reported, the Brewers and Dodgers appear to be the only ones willing to offer the third baseman multiple years on a contract. The Dodgers, the team with whom Turner has played for seven years, are still considered the favorite.
The Brewers can possibly swing signing Turner if they offer him either more years or more money per season. Theoretically, a Brewers’ contract offer for two years would have to be for about $20 million per year if the Dodgers offer $18 million per. On the other hand, the Brewers could match the $18 million per year and offer three or four years instead of just two.
How Justin Turner Would Fit on the Brewers
As mentioned previously, the Brewers production at third base was lacking. To be frank, it was downright abysmal. Despite his age, adding Justin Turner to the lineup would give the Brewers a serious boost.
Alongside free agent signee Kolten Wong, Turner would contribute to a Brewers lineup and defense that could contend in the very tight NL Central Division. A career .292 hitter, Turner would be an extra bat in a lineup that struggled offensively in 2020. He would likely be slotted into the second or third spot in the batting order. This is a spot in which he excelled last season. Turner was usually slotted in as the Dodgers’ third hitter in their lineup in 2020.
Turner had one of his best seasons as a hitter last year. He hit .307/.400/.460 with four home runs and 23 RBI in 42 games. In a full 162 game season, this would translate to roughly 16 home runs and 92 RBI. If/when Christian Yelich and Keston Hiura have bounce-back seasons in 2021, Turner’s production added to the top of the lineup would make the Brewers serious post-season contenders again.
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