Justin Turner to Sign with Blue Jays

Justin Turner will sign a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Jon Morosi.

The deal will be worth $13 million with $1.5 million in performance bonuses. That is just about the same base salary Turner declined in a player option from the Red Sox in November, but that contract had a $6.7 million buyout, too. Thus, Turner will earn close to $20 million this season in total and will now sit at around $120 million for his career. Amazing.

Even at his older age, Turner put in a solid season for the Red Sox in 2023. He slashed .276/.345/.455/.800 over 626 plate appearances—the second most on the team. He slugged 23 homers, knocked in 96 and post 1.2 WAR. (Having to log 300 innings in the field—primarily at first base—affected his overall value.)

The Mets were reportedly interested in Turner all offseason, but the team doesn’t seemed inclined to spend big dollars on someone who is primarily designated hitter. Mark Vientos will seem to get the lion’s share of DH at-bats as the team heads into spring training.

If the Mets do decide to sign a DH, players like J.D. Martinez, Jorge Soler and Brandon Belt are still on the market.

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