Red Sox Fan-Favorite Slugger Reportedly 'Undecided' On Whether He Will Return To Club
The Boston Red Sox certainly are going to be busy this upcoming offseason.
Boston has struggled as of late but realistically still is in the mix for an American League Wild Card spot. The Red Sox entered the 2023 season with extremely low expectations and have surpassed them to this point. Although the Red Sox can't be considered World Series contenders at this point, it wouldn't be too surprising if Boston was in the mix next season if the club makes a couple of solid moves this upcoming offseason.
There are sure to be many returners next season along with a few new additions but one player whose future is in question with the club is fan-favorite slugger Justin Turner. Turner has a $6.7 million player option for the 2024 season and reportedly is undecided on whether or not he will return, according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale.
"The Red Sox and Marlins were involved in trade talks for popular Red Sox infielder Justin Turner, who has 17 homers and a .837 OPS, as The Athletic reported," Nightengale said. "When trade talks couldn’t progress past the finish line, the Marlins pivoted to Josh Bell and Jake Burger.
"Turner, who is earning $13.4 million, has a $6.7 million player option in 2024. He’s undecided whether he’ll return to the Red Sox. "
Turner has been one of the most important members of the Red Sox so far this season. The 38-year-old has been one of the most consistent members of the club this season and is slashing .287/.356/.479 to go along with 17 home runs and 71 RBIs in 104 games played so far this season. If he could maintain this production, he likely would be a very important piece for the Red Sox again in 2024, but it's unclear what he will do.
It wouldn't be too surprising to see him opt out of the deal and get one more solid payday after another impressive season, but hopefully, he remains with Boston for one more year.
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