The former Mets infielder will get a chance to compete for a roster spot in Dodgers' camp.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached agreement on a minor league contract with infielder Justin Turner, as first reported by Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com. The deal includes an invitation to major league spring training, and gives Turner a chance to earn a spot on the Dodgers' major league club as a utility infielder.
Turner, 29, will compete with Dee Gordon, Justin Sellers and recent addition Chone Figgins for a major league roster spot after being non-tendered by the Mets in early December. If he is added to the 40-man roster, he is under team control for the next three seasons due to his status as an arbitration-eligible player.
Turner reportedly drew interest from as many as ten teams this winter, and the Minnesota Twins were known to be seriously interested in signing him. He seemed poised to get a major league contract after hitting .280 with 2 HR and 16 RBI in 86 games with the Mets last season, but had to settle for a minor league contract with Los Angeles.
Turner has primarily appeared at second base and shortstop throughout his major league career, but saw time at five positions (first base, second base, shortstop, third base and left field) last season with the Mets. In 318 major league games over five seasons with the Orioles (2009-2010) and Mets (2010-2013), he is a lifetime .260 hitter with 8 HR and 89 RBI.