Mets Linked To Ex-Red Sox Fan-Favorite In Free Agency After Tough Injury
The New York Mets got some bad news Tuesday.
New York was expecting to have elite prospect Ronny Mauricio play a major role with the team next season but he now will miss likely the entire 2024 season after suffering a knee injury in the Dominican Winter League.
The Mets' No. 4 prospect was expected to see a good chunk of time at third base but now the club needs to figure out its next move. New York likely will be looking to land a new third baseman and one player that has been linked to the club is former Boston Red Sox slugger Justin Turner, according to Metsmerized Online's Jack Markowski.
"Turner doesn’t figure to be an adequate solution strictly as a third baseman for the Mets, but that doesn’t render him useless for the team and their current situation," Markowski said. "Turner has remained a threat at the plate and would supply the team with a potential solution as a factor in the designated hitter mix while also providing value as a mentor for (Bret Baty) and (Mark Vientos).
"He has also demonstrated proficiency at first base to the tune of three Defensive Runs Saved last year and can play second base in a pinch as well. If Turner can remain productive at the plate and give the Mets insurance at third base amidst all the uncertainty at the position, his veteran presence and leadership would be of substantial value."
Turner was impressive for the Red Sox last season but the club likely will be looking to go in a different direction this offseason. The two-time All-Star is a free agent again after declining his player option with Boston and has been linked to multiple clubs this offseason, including the Arizona Diamondbacks.
A signing certainly would make sense for the Mets because Turner could help out at third base, first base, and even designated hitter. It may be too early to tell if a move is possible, but it wouldn't be too surprising.
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