MLB Update: Justin Turner Stays With Dodgers, Boosts Bid For Another World Series Run - Report

KEY POINTS

Justin Turner is returning to the Dodgers after agreeing to a $34 million deal, a report says
The Dodgers' chances of obtaining another World Series title improved with the new deal
Turner's deal includes a club option on third year

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have secured a key piece for another World Series run. Justin Turner has made up his mind and will be returning to the Dodgers for the 2021-20 season.

The 36-year-old third baseman agreed to a two-year deal worth $34 million, The Athletic reported. It will also include a third-year club option.

Turner revealed the decision himself when he posted the development on his official Twitter and Instagram accounts Saturday.

Turner's new deal with the Dodgers officially puts an end to speculations on where the All-Star player will be playing this 2021-20 MLB season. Several teams were interested in the California native, with the Milwaukee Brewers being one of the aggressive suitors for his services.

Lettts gooo run it back @Dodgers fans!!! @vaynersports @vaynerbaseball pic.twitter.com/fRY0pvyWMx
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) February 14, 2021

Aside from the Brewers, other MLB teams that had an interest in Turner included the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves. However, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman earlier hinted that if Turner were to move on, the Brewers had the inside track.

Before the deal was sealed between the Dodgers and Turner, there were concerns that the team may hesitate to re-sign him since they made a splurged on Trevor Bauer. His age (Turner will be turning 37 in November) was also a factor.

Regardless, it appears all that is now answered. The fact is that Los Angeles would have ended up looking for an untested player to take Turner’s spot. While that could still happen, it may not happen for the next couple of years at least, unless the All-Star player’s performance takes a dramatic dip.

Turner has been the Dodgers' most reliable bat since arriving from the New York Mets in 2013. He hit .307/.400/.460 during the 2020 season and also played a key role for Los Angeles when they won their first World Series championship since 1988.

Seeing as how the National League West is more challenging this coming MLB season, the Dodgers are taking no chances. Teams like the San Diego Padres have improved their rotation, adding players like Blake Snell and Yu Darvish. The signing of Turner makes sure that they will remain competitive and hopefully win another World Series title.