Third baseman Justin Turner has reportedly re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, per Jim Bowden of ESPN.
Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball reported the two sides have agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal.
Turner, 32, had a career year in 2016, hitting .275 with 27 home runs, 90 RBI and 79 runs. Turner was a late bloomer, but in the past two seasons with the Dodgers, he’s ripped 43 homers and knocked in 150 runs, making him one of the more appealing players in free agency.
But he was always likely to return to Los Angeles.
“I’d love to stay here,” the Long Beach native told Heyman in September. “I love playing here. I love playing at home.”
While Turner’s age means he may not have many productive seasons left, he was a huge reason the Dodgers reached the National League Championship Series.
There may be some concerns, however. Namely, Turner hit just .209 with five home runs against left-handed pitchers last year. While he slayed right-handers—hitting .305 with 22 homers—he could find himself in a platoon if he gets off to a slow start in 2017.
But Turner hit well enough to hold an everyday role in 2016, and Los Angeles will be banking on him to do the same in 2017.
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