Justin Turner Compares Logan Gilbert to Seattle Mariners Legend
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The Seattle Mariners offseason has been criticized by fans, media and past players alike. Despite players like Christian Walker, Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman all available, the Mariners ended up signing Jorge Polanco (one-year, $7.75 million) and Donovan Solano (one-year, $3.5 million).
And a former Seattle infielder from 2024, Justin Turner, joined the list of people who've criticized the organization for failing to take advantage of a perceived contention window.
Turner spent time with the Mariners in the second-half of last season after being acquired near the trade deadline in a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Turner opted to sign a one-year, $6 million deal with the Chicago Cubs after months of rumors that Seattle was interested in a reunion.
Justin Turner just hit a grand slam for the Mariners. What a night for ex #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/VLgzdr910N
— Eric Treuden (@ETreuden) August 3, 2024
Turner spoke to reporter Bob Nightengale in an article published on USA Today and didn't shy away from criticizing ownership. At the core of his criticism was the fact that the Mariners have arguably the best starting rotation in baseball, and has failed to sign elite bats to support it.
In the article, Turner made an interesting comparison between Gilbert and another Seattle pitching legend.
“Logan Gilbert is the modern-day Felix Hernandez," Turner said. “He’s got that kind of an ERA and he’s (9-12). That’s crazy. And you got a catcher that’s the best catcher in the history of the game his first three years, just won a Platinum Glove, and you’ve only got a few more years left for him. There’s not going to a better time to go for it. I feel for them. They’ve got great fans. Their fans are amazing. They want to win so bad. The team is very profitable. And they don’t spend."
Turner's Gilbert/Hernandez analogy is both a recognition of the talent the two respective aces have, but also a warning of what could happen if an elite pitcher doesn't get support. Hernandez pitched 15 years for the Mariners, won a Cy Young award in 2010 and was a six-time All-Star. Seattle also never made the playoffs during his career.
Turner has as good a view on the current state of the organization than anyone else not in the front office, on the coaching staff or in the clubhouse.
Turner did recognize the talent of the team in the article and didn't criticize manager Dan Wilson or the roster. But when it comes to the ownership's offseason approach, clearly Turner is not a fan.
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