Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers decline option on longtime contributor Justin Turner

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 11/10/22

The Los Angeles Dodgers may look a bit different in 2023, starting with a longtime key member of the team’s infield.

The Dodgers declined the $16 million option on the contract of third baseman Justin Turner on Thursday, opting to pay him a $2 million buyout instead. However, the team is interested in retaining him at a reduced salary, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The #Dodgers decline Justin Turner’s $16M option and will pay him $2M buyout. They still are interested in him returning at reduced salary.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 10, 2022

Turner turns 38 later in the month, and while his numbers were slightly down in 2022, he was still a valuable contributor to the Dodgers. The two-time All-Star hit .278 with 13 home runs and 81 RBI.

Turner is just one of a number of high-profile free agents the Dodgers will have to sort out this winter. Shortstop Trea Turner is set to hit the market, and one of the franchise’s biggest icons may get interest from other teams, too.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: