How the Dodgers Replaced JT

Justin Turner is one of the most popular players that has put on a Dodgers uniform at any time and in any generation. He’s from Southern California, it’s his home and he’s connected to the Dodgers, and the Community in too many different ways to count. So, when the Dodgers chose not to exercise his $16 million option for 2023 it was big news. 

Before that decision, I had released several posts, videos, and statements making it clear that I was in favor of the Dodgers picking up his option and keeping him for this upcoming season. There were several reasons why I felt that way, and in today’s article, I will attempt to explain what the Dodgers have done to ease those concerns about losing such a valuable member of the organization. 

Many people suggested that, at his age, Turner’s market value was not $16 million a year, which can certainly be argued, if not proven if you look at it strictly from an “on-the-field” perspective. He signed with Boston, and while his salary for 2023 will be $8.3 Million, he is guaranteed $21.7 million which means the Red Sox are on the hook for $10,850,000 toward the CBT threshold for both 2023 and 2024. 

In essence, he’ll be making $13.4 million dollars with the Red Sox in 2024 whether he is on their roster or not. 

Comparatively, if the Dodgers would have picked up Turner’s option for 2023, they would have been on the hook for $2.6 million more this year, than the Red Sox will be in 2024, but only for one year instead of two.  

If you’d rather break it up and compare it using the values that are applied towards the CBT, then the Dodgers would have been paying $5,150,000 more this year, but then wouldn’t be on the hook for $10,850,000 in 2024.

So, it’s pretty much splitting hairs and just a matter of opinion and needs as to which contract would have more value for a club. 

Either way, by not bringing him back, it left some holes and equally as many concerns. 

Turner is still one of the best offensive 3rd basemen in the game as detailed in this article “Justin Turner Should Be Resigned“. He also provides a tremendous amount of clubhouse leadership that a dollar amount can’t quantify when considering that this upcoming season, at the very least, promises at least somewhat of a “youth movement”. 

Replacing Turner’s offense and leadership/mentorship was not an option, it was a requirement, and, in essence, they’ve replaced him with two guys, Miguel Rojas, and J.D. Martinez. Martinez will replace the offense and Rojas is mentoring the young infielders. Coincidentally, or not, combined, those two will be making $15 million dollars in 2023, which is eerily close to the $16 million that Turner would have made. 

And, they’ve also provided an insurance plan in case Lux doesn’t handle Short Stop or the Youth Movement doesn’t work out. In that case. , Rojas will be ready to fill in on an everyday basis at any of the infield positions if needed. 

All in all, as much as I was in favor of keeping Turner, the club appears to have filled the holes he would have left, and, likely, came out better for it.

Rojas provides the mentorship, but, then, also provides better defense and more versatility, Martinez is younger and could easily have a year that is equal if not better than Turner, so both concerns I had have been addressed, and, likely, plus some. 

One thing I have learned by covering the Dodgers is that this Front Office always has a plan, and, in the end, it almost always makes sense and improves the roster and the team’s chances at winning a World Series, both for the present and the future.