Justin Turner agrees to deal with Red Sox (source)
The Red Sox are in settlement with veteran infielder and designated hitter Justin Turner, a supply informed MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Sunday. The membership has not confirmed the deal, which is anticipated to be for 2 years and price round $22 million, in response to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Turner started the 2022 season slowly, batting simply .168/.226/.242 with one dwelling run via his first 26 video games. While that efficiency raised questions on whether or not the veteran was experiencing a steep decline at age 37, he shortly turned issues round.
Over his last 102 video games starting May 10, Turner slashed .306/.380/.488 with 12 homers, 32 doubles and 68 RBIs. That .868 OPS ranked thirteenth amongst Major League qualifiers over that span, placing Turner simply behind Austin Riley and Pete Alonso and forward of Carlos Correa and Nolan Arenado.
After serving because the Dodgers’ major third baseman for the previous a number of seasons, Turner began solely 66 video games on the sizzling nook in 2022, whereas beginning 61 at DH. He has -1 Outs Above Average at third since 2020, and his arm power ranked within the twenty eighth percentile this season, per Statcast.
Per studies, Turner will doubtless spend most of his time on the DH spot or first base, with Rafael Devers a mainstay at third base in Boston. This transfer provides the Red Sox a promising substitute at DH after slugger J.D. Martinez went to Los Angeles on a one-year free-agent deal.
A 14-year veteran, Turner first signed with the Dodgers in February 2014, after the Mets non-tendered him following a four-season stint in Queens. With a remade swing, Turner shortly turned an integral piece together with his new membership. His 133 OPS+ ranks fifth in Los Angeles Dodgers historical past (minimal 2,000 plate appearances).
This signing provides one more former Dodger to the 2023 Red Sox ranks, with outfielders Kiké Hernández and Alex Verdugo and pitchers Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin additionally at the moment on Boston’s roster.
