By Jordan Long
The Boston Red Sox are looking to improve on their 78-84 record. Boston added some pop into their lineup, agreeing to a contract with Justin Turner with a 2-year $22 million contract.
Turner brings in 14 years of MLB experience. For the past 9 years, he was with the L.A. Dodgers, hitting 296 with 156 home runs and 574 RBI’s. The Dodgers earned a playoff spot with him 9 times. Of course, they won the World Series in 2020 when the Dodgers knocked off the Tampa Bay Rays in 6 games.
Turner’s batting average this past season ended at .278 with 13 home runs and 81 RBI’s. Turner helped the Dodgers go an MLB best 111-51. Unfortunately, the success for the team in the regular season didn’t carry over to the postseason. The Dodgers were knocked out in the National League Division Series by their National League West Division rivals, the San Diego Padres in 4 games.
In the short postseason run, Turner had 13 plate appearances with 2 hits, or a disappointing batting average of .154. Once the last out was recorded in game 4, Turner was a free agent. The expectation was that he was going to test free agency and it seemed his days as a Dodger were over.
Boston is Turner’s new home. Turner is a natural 3rd baseman. The Boston Red Sox already have an everyday 3rd baseman in Rafael Devers. He is younger than Turner at 26. Turner is 38 years old. Turner may play 3rd base when Devers needs a day off. Turner, though, most likely will be the designated hitter. All he has to worry about is driving the ball for base hits to score runs.
The Red Sox know Turner’s best days in the infield are behind him. They are anticipating his offensive skill set will improve the Boston Red Sox. Turner may only have one year in Boston. His contract includes an opt-out clause following the 2023 season. Hopefully, Turner is the missing piece for the Boston Red Sox to close the gap between them and the New York Yankees in the American League East division.
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