Justin Turner Makes Surprising Move
Two-time All-Star Justin Turner, one of the top third basemen of the 2023 free agent class, has found an unexpected new home, according to a report from Jeff Passan.
Justin Turner's deal with the Boston Red Sox is for two years and just shy of $22 million, and it includes an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/9kAFqqX6ay
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 18, 2022
Writers on the MLB beat generally expected Turner to sign a deal to retire with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he has spent the longest and most successful stretch of his 14-year career. The opt-out clause will give the 38-year-old a choice to end his career elsewhere should the change of scenery not work out to his liking.
Turner may reunite with former teammate and fellow 2023 free agency class member Enrique “Kiké” Hernández, who has posted some memories from their time on the Dodgers in response to today’s news.
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) December 18, 2022
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) December 19, 2022
The free agency period had been quiet for Boston so far. The Red Sox have lost Silver Sluggers Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez to the National League West. Adding Turner will not be enough to climb out of the cellar of the highly competitive American League East division. All eyes will be on the contract of 2024 free agent Rafael Devers, who is a candidate for a lucrative extension or free agency deal. The Red Sox may deal him for prospects as their roster churn, er, retool continues.
Featured Image: Justin Turner, 3rd baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, batting at Camelback Ranch- Glendale in Phoenix, Arizona, USA on March 12, 2018, by Keeton Gale / Shutterstock.com.
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