The Yankees are poised to be one of the more active teams leading up to the MLB trade deadline, and signs point to the Red Sox buying before July 30 as well.
Not every team in the American League East will be looking to add, though.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale provided a slew of deadline information in a column published Sunday. One of the clubs spotlighted by the MLB insider was the Blue Jays, who appear to be open for business as the deadline approaches. Toronto reportedly is “expected” to trade a handful of players, including designated hitter Justin Turner.
Turner, who signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Blue Jays in late January, is having a down season. As of Monday morning, the 39-year-old was batting .228 with five home runs and 29 RBIs. But Turner boasts a wealth of experience — including in the postseason — and is a tremendous clubhouse asset, so he should have a market this week.
Could one of those teams be the Red Sox? Boston very much needs another right-handed bat and it might target one who can play first base since Triston Casas remains sidelined indefinitely. Turner himself might welcome a return to the Red Sox, who left a lasting impression on the two-time All-Star in the 2023 season.
But whether it’s in Boston or somewhere else, it appears Turner soon will have an opportunity to play meaningful baseball down the stretch and potentially into the playoffs.
