The Toronto Blue Jays sign infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner to a one-year deal worth up to $13 million. That amount includes $1.5 million in roster and performance bonuses.
Turner played for the Boston Red Sox last season, hitting .276 with 154 hits in 558 at-bats. He also collected 96 runs batted in and 23 home runs.
Before his lone season with Boston, Turner spent nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He became one of the league’s best hitters while there, as he received two All-Star nods and votes for the National League Most Valuable Player award three times.
THIS JUST IN
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) January 30, 2024
OFFICIAL: We’ve signed 2x All-Star, Roberto Clemente Award Winner, and World Series Champion Justin Turner to a one-year contract.
Welcome, @redturn2! pic.twitter.com/0td0LNsOJ6
Turner was named the 2017 National League Championship Series MVP after defeating the Chicago Cubs in five games. His best year came in 2017 when he hit .322 and struck out only 56 times in 457 at-bats. The Long Beach native collected 147 hits, 71 RBIs, and 21 homers that year.
While Justin Turner made his Major League Baseball debut with the Baltimore Orioles, he played only 17 games over two seasons. The New York Mets claimed him off waivers, and he played four seasons with the squad.
After becoming a free agent in 2014, the Dodgers invited him to spring training, and he did well enough to earn a roster spot. Now playing for the Blue Jays, his role with the team remains uncertain.
He could play various infielder positions like he did with Boston in 2023. But if the Blue Jays get another power hitter, Turner might be used more for fielding purposes.
After 15 MLB seasons, the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award recipient has a .288 career batting average. He has 1,461 hits, 759 RBIs, and 187 home runs. His on-base plus slugging percentage over his last ten seasons went below .800 only once.
-Lance Fernandez