Two-Time All-Star Justin Turner Signs with the Blue Jays
Coming off another productive season, veteran infielder Justin Turner has officially found himself a new home, as Turner signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2024 MLB season. Prior to the start of the upcoming season, time was running out for Turner to find a new squad, as players report for Spring Training in three weeks. However, Turner and the Blue Jays were able to settle on a deal on Tuesday morning that satisfies both parties and shifts focus onto the 2024 season. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Turner’s one-year deal with Toronto is worth $13 million guaranteed and includes an additional $1.5 million based on roster and performance bonuses.
After being drafted in 2009 from the Baltimore Orioles, Turner spent his first four seasons with the New York Mets before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent. During his nine-year tenure with the Dodgers, Turner had two All-Star appearances and was a high-power hitter and clutch playoff performer for Los Angeles. Turner ended his Dodgers career with 156 home runs, 574 RBIs, a batting average of .296 and an OPS of .865. In 86 postseason games with the Dodgers, Turner had a career playoff average of .270 with 85 hits, 13 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 43 runs scored. As well, Turner shared the 2017 NLCS MVP with former teammate Chris Taylor.
Turner, who turned 39 this offseason, entered free agency for the second straight time after declining a $13.4 million player option with the Boston Red Sox. Despite there being risk in declining his option, Turner was able to rely on contract negotiation leverage based on his consistent productivity throughout his career. During the 2023 season, Turner played in 146 games for the Red Sox, where he slashed for a .276 batting average with 23 home runs, 96 RBIs and had a career best 154 hits. Despite cooling off towards the end of the 2023 season, Turner had a .306 batting average with a .913 OPS from June to August. According to Morosi, the 15-year veteran will continue to be used as a DH with Toronto and have occasional appearances in the infield.
