Justin Turner’s Free Agency Decision Could Come This Week, According to New Report
Veteran slugger Justin Turner is progressing towards his free agent decision, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Monday morning.
Morosi said that Turner’s decision is becoming “increasingly likely to occur” this week. He pegged the San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs as some of his possible destinations.
The 39-year-old third baseman and designated hitter spent last season with the Boston Red Sox, who appear to have moved on from Turner.
Turner may have gotten his start with the Baltimore Orioles back in 2009, but he earned his first regular playing time with the Mets in 2011. The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Turner up in 2014, and he would go on to make two All-Star appearances in nine seasons with the club.
Even as he's reached his late 30s, Turner has remained productive at the plate. He is averaging 21 home runs, 88 RBI and a 2.5 WAR a year over the last three seasons, all while hitting .277 with an .807 OPS.
Turner had the option to return to Boston for a second season with the Red Sox, but he opted to enter free agency instead. The Red Sox still owed Turner a $6.7 million buyout, which is half of the $13.4 million option he declined.
FanGraphs currently projects the Giants to open 2024 with Wilmer Flores at designated hitter, J.D. Davis at third base and LaMonte Wade Jr. at first base, but their positional versatility could allow for Turner to carve out a role regardless. The Blue Jays have more space, meanwhile, as backup catcher Danny Jansen is currently in line to be their full-time designated hitter and Cavan Biggio and Santiago Espinal are poised to platoon at third.
It remains to be seen if Turner could supplant 24-year-olds Brett Baty and Mark Vientos as the Mets' third baseman at his advanced age, but he does seem to be a more effective designated hitter than DJ Stewart.
Chicago has top prospects Michael Busch and Nick Madrigal slotted to start on the corners, plus young slugger Christopher Morel at designated hitter, so Turner's role with the Cubs would likely be relatively limited.
Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media
Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.
You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.
