According to Ken Rosenthal, sources have told the Athletic the New York Mets are interested in free-agent third baseman Justin Turner, but the two sides are not matching up on terms.
Turner has been an absolute star for the Dodgers since being non-tendered by the Mets following the 2013 season. The 36-year old has finished in the Top-15 in NL MVP voting three times, posted a .302 average, .886 OPS, and 116 home runs in his Dodger career.
Even in his age-35 season, Turner got it done at the plate and played decent defense at the hot corner. Over 42 games in the pandemic shortened season, he hit .307 with a 135 OPS+, .860 OPS, and .400 OBP.
If the Mets were to reach an agreement with Turner, they’d likely look to trade current starter, J.D. Davis. Rosenthal mentions that the Mets are currently unsure of what Davis might bring back in a trade.
SNY’s Andy Martino does note that a reunion with the former Met “is not likely to happen.”
If they are able to come to terms, Turner would absolutely be an upgrade over Davis, bring great veteran leadership to the Mets, and shouldn’t tie the down longterm. Both MLB Trade Rumors and FanGraphs project Turner to receive a two year deal, in the $20-30 million range.
Other teams that have shown interest in the slugger include the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and a potential return to the Dodgers.
