Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Former New York Met, Justin Turner, is reportedly in agreement with the Boston Red Sox, this first reported by ESPN staff writer Joon Lee. The long-time Los Angeles Dodger is expected to sign a two-year deal worth just shy of $22 million, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal will include an opt out after the first season.
Turner spent four lackluster seasons with the Mets, before he found his way to Los Angeles. With the Dodgers, Turner turned in nine very strong seasons. In essence, resurrecting his career and becoming one of the most consistent middle-of-the-order bats in the league. He was named to two All-Star games and posted a .865 OPS over his Dodgers’ career. He also won one World Series.
Next up for the 38-year-old is a stint with Boston. He is expected to serve predominately as the team’s designated hitter and get some time at first base. He will join a lineup that will feature the likes of Rafael Devers, Trevor Story, and Masataka Yoshida. The roughly $11-million per season contract appears to be on the friendly side, as Fangraph’s crowd-sourced projections projected a one-year deal worth $12-million.
Turner was a name that was linked to the Mets on a few occasions this off-season. As the team will continue to look for a potential answer at designated hitter.
