Former Boston Red Sox infielder and designated hitter Justin Turner is reportedly going to be moved by the July 30 MLB trade deadline, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
“The Toronto Blue Jays, baseball’s most underachieving team, will do plenty of selling at the deadline before they do some firing in the offseason,” Nightengale wrote. “They are expected to trade pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, catcher Danny Jansen and DH Justin Turner — and could entertain offers for Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman.”
Tuner would be a great option for Boston. Red Sox chief baseball operator Craig Breslow made a bold statement that Boston would be looking to improve the team at the deadline, and Turner would certainly help achieve that goal.
While Tuner may not be producing the power numbers he once did, he has six home runs and 31 RBIs in 86 games this season — the 39-year-old can still hit. Turner slashed .343/.465/.449 in 22 games in June, walking 15 times against 13 strikeouts. Adding Turner to the lineup would give Boston a daily right-hand bat against lefties.
Another upside of reuniting with Turner is his defensive value in the infield.
The versatile infielder could slide in at first base while Triston Casas continues to make his way back to the diamond and provide third baseman Rafael Devers a day or two off down the stretch and hold down the fort defensively on either corner.
He would also add another important veteran voice in the clubhouse with championship experience. Turner’s presence in the clubhouse would benefit the Red Sox leadership group of Devers, Refsnyder, and Nick Pivetta.
A key part of winning a championship is having a veteran to help young players get through the grind of the regular season and understand what it takes to win a World Series. Turner is suited for those core characteristics.
