Prior to his Mariners trade, Justin Turner had the Red Sox on his mind.
Prior to delving into the trade market, the Boston Red Sox were known to be interested in starting and bullpen pitchers as well as acquiring a right-handed hitter. Justin Turner, an old buddy, met that description and was made available.
Turner, 39, inked a $13 million one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays during the winter, but it was time to sell as Boston’s division foe fell to the bottom of the standings, finishing dead last at 50-57. Turner considered a reunion after this, as it made him easily available to opposing teams in the league, such as the Red Sox, prior to Tuesday’s 6 P.M. ET MLB trade deadline.
“I once basically told Ross Atkins, the general manager of the Blue Jays, up there that his contract was about to expire. We’re going to attempt to shift you. According to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, Turner informed reporters at Fenway Park, “The wheels start spinning.” “You begin to consider which teams it might be, and the Red Sox were undoubtedly one of the teams I believed had a chance.” However, it didn’t occur, and I’m thrilled to be a Seattle Mariner.
Ironically, Turner returned to Fenway Park, where he played for the Red Sox for the entirety of the previous season, for his Mariners debut, which came less than twenty-four hours after the deal. Turner, too, signed a one-year contract with Boston that includes a 2024 option before emerging as the undisputed captain of the clubhouse. Turner was always prepared and willing to contribute, whether the Red Sox needed him at first base, third base, the designated hitter position, or even infrequently at second base. After playing in 146 games, he concluded his lone season with Boston with a.276 average, 23 home runs, and 96 RBIs.
Turner remarked of Fenway Park, “This is a place (where) I enjoyed playing,” according to Divish. Had a fantastic year the previous year despite the fact that we didn’t achieve our goals as a team. I really enjoy playing here because of the field, the atmosphere, and the evident abundance of familiar people. It’s strange that I know more guys on the Red Sox than I do here, but maybe that will change quickly.
Seattle and Boston are only two and a half games apart in the American League wild-card standings as both teams battle for postseason position in their respective divisions. Turner’s versatility, leadership, and extensive experience may all be taken into consideration when the postseason bracket is decided in October.
