Teams inquiring on Red Sox’ Justin Turner ahead of the trade deadline
The MLB trade deadline is on Aug. 1 and the Red Sox have already moved on from veteran Kiké Hernández. Despite trading Hernández, the club is being considered as a buyer from both the beat writers and national reporters.
Boston enters Friday night’s three-game series opener against the Giants just 1.5 games out of the last wild-card spot. The surging Red Sox have won 22 of their last 34, but that hasn’t stopped opposing clubs from asking about the availability of Justin Turner.
“Teams that have asked Red Sox about Justin Turner have been told there is no interest in dealing him,” per WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
Turner has had strong year for Boston, the 38-year-old is hitting .289 with 108 hits, 24 doubles, 16 homers, 66 RBI, four stolen bases and .841 OPS.
His leadership has transformed the Red Sox clubhouse, he’s been surprisingly versatile playing first base, second base and third base. Outside of Rafael Devers, Turner has been one of the most consistent batters in the Sox lineup.
The veteran knows how important it is for his team to play winking baseball. Turner is excited for this time of year and the possibility of some additions to help Boston towards the postseason.
“It’s a weird time of year,” Turner said to MassLive. “We know where we’re at, right in the hunt, not too far back in the wild card and thinking there might be a few additions that could really help us. At the same time, additions mean subtractions. The guys who are in this clubhouse, as exciting as it may be, it always comes at the expense of someone who’s already in the room. It’s tough. I know fans love it and they want to see us make a big splash and a big move. But the human aspect of it, for the guys in this room, can be tough.”
Boston’s stance on not trading Turner signals the club’s focus on buying at the deadline. The Red Sox roster might look different come Aug. 1, but Turner will be with the club for the remainder of the playoff push.
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I’m not sure why trading Kiké has anything to do with being a buyer or not. Clearly, Story is coming back very soon and taking the opportunity to get something for him before the trading deadline made a lot of sense. And the Red Sox still should buy if there’s a chance they can get a starter without overpaying.