Red Sox to sign Justin Turner
The Boston Red Sox and free agent third baseman Justin Turner have agreed to two-year, $22 million dollar deal, per source. Jeff Passan and Joon Lee of ESPN also have confirmed the deal.
The Long Beach, Calif. native will also get an opt-out after the first season involved in this agreement.
Alex Speier of The Boston Globe is reporting that Turner will get $8.3 million in 2023 and then $11.4 million in 2024 if he exercises the player option.
Boston has been looking to add a power bat to the lineup following the loss of Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez this offseason.
Martinez signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Dodgers on Saturday. He will be reunited with Mookie Betts out in Los Angeles.
The 38-year-old Turner comes to Boston after spending nine seasons with the Dodgers. He was part of the 2020 World Series team and will provide depth at first and third base next season.
Turner is the third former Dodger to sign with the Red Sox this offseason. New closer Kenley Jansen signed a two-year, $32 million deal last week. Right-handed reliever Chris Martin landed a two-year, $17.5 million earlier this offseason.
Last season, Turner started the season poorly, batting just .168/.226/.242 with one home run through his first 26 games. He quickly turned the sluggish start to his season and over his final 102 games beginning May 10, Turner slashed .306/.380/.488 with 12 homers, 32 doubles and 68 RBIs.
Turner and Martinez effectively switch teams for next season. The new Sox slugger provides depth in the field when he’s not penciled in at designated hitter. Boston has more work to do with the lineup for next season, Turner is a good start after losing Martinez and Bogaerts in free agency.
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