Mets are engaged in contract talks with free agent Justin Turner (report)
The New York Mets are reportedly in contract talks with free agent infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
The 39-year-old is coming off a strong season with the Red Sox where he owned a .276/.345/.455 slash line with 23 homers and 96 RBI in 146 games.
Turner became a free agent in November after he declined his $13.4 million player option for next season. The Red Sox paid a $6.7 million buyout to Turner.
If the Mets signed Turner, he could provide depth at third base, second base and at designated hitter. All three positions Turner held with the Red Sox last season. Turner also played 41 games at first base, which could offer a backup plan for Pete Alonso at first base.
MLB Trade Rumors predicts Turner will ink a one-year, $16 million deal this winter.
If Turner signs with the Mets, it would be his second stint with the organization. The veteran slugger played four seasons with New York before being designated for assignment in 2013.
Turner has been connected to the Mariners and Diamondbacks, in addition, there’s been some rumblings he could return back to the Red Sox.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has talked about positional versatility for Alex Cora next season without shutting the door on Turner returning.
“I think positional versatility helps,” Breslow told the media in November. “I don’t think it makes a ton of sense to kind of typecast that to a right-handed bat who can only DH. But I think we have to be open-minded about the ways to improve the team. Given that we’re pretty left-handed, it makes sense to set our sights on somebody who can hit right-handed.
“On a high level, we’d probably look to give Alex (Cora) as much flexibility as possible,” Breslow continued. “Recognizing that it’s a long season and there will be times where he’s going to want to get guys off their feet, but keep their bats in the lineup. I don’t think there’s one way to do it. Now, obviously, I’ve played with a guy who commanded the DH spot for quite some time (in David Ortiz) and was pretty successful doing it. I think short of that, having as many creative possibilities as we can arrange makes sense.”
Turner expressed interest in coming back to Boston and appreciated his time playing at Fenway Park.
“Yeah, I mean, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Turner said following the Red Sox’ last 2023 home game. “Since day one, it’s been first class from all the way from the top, all the way down, and I’ve enjoyed the guys in this room, and there’s a lot of really good baseball players in this room. And so I would definitely be happy if I was back here again.”
The free agent market is beginning to move and Turner could find a new home in Queens very soon.
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