Before the Boston Red Sox began exploring the trade market, adding a right-handed bat was identified as one of the team’s targets — along with relief and starting pitching — which opened the door for old friend Justin Turner, who fit that profile.
Turner, 39, signed a one-year deal worth $13 million with the Toronto Blue Jays in the offseason, however, as Boston’s division rival quickly sunk in the standings — sitting dead last at 50-57 — it became time to sell. That made Turner conveniently available for contending teams in the league, including the Red Sox before Tuesday’s 6 P.M. ET MLB trade deadline — a reunion-based thought that crossed Turner’s mind.
“Once I had the conversation with Ross (Atkins, Blue Jays general manager) up there basically saying, ‘Hey you’re on an expiring contract. We’re gonna try to move you.’ … The wheels start spinning,” Turner told reporters at Fenway Park, per Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. “You start thinking of what teams it could possibly be and the Red Sox were certainly one of the teams that I thought there was a chance. But it didn’t happen and I’m excited to be a Seattle Mariner.”
Ironically enough, Turner’s debut with the Mariners — less than 24 hours after the trade — placed the 16-year veteran back at Fenway Park, where he spent all of last season with the Red Sox. Turner, too, signed a one-year deal which included an option for 2024, with Boston before quickly becoming the clubhouse’s unofficial leader. Whether the Red Sox needed him at first base, third base, the designated hitter’s role, or occasionally at second base, Turner was always prepared and ready to contribute. He finished his lone season in Boston hitting .276 with 23 home runs and 96 RBIs, playing in 146 games.
“This is a place (where) I enjoyed playing,” Turner said of Fenway Park, per Divish. “Had a outstanding year last year even though as a team we didn’t accomplish what we wanted. I definitely enjoy playing here in this field, in this environment, and obviously a lot of familiar faces — I know more guys on the (Red Sox) than I do here so that’s a little weird, but hopefully that’ll change really fast.”
As the Red Sox and Mariners both fight for postseason ground in their respective divisions, Boston and Seattle are just 2 1/2 games separated from each other in the American League wild-card standings. Turner’s leadership, long-time experience and versatility could all play a factor once the postseason bracket is established in October.
