The Blue Jays previously added Isiah Kiner-Falefa to their core to boost their defense amidst the departure of Whit Merrifield. Now, Toronto is set to add Justin Turner to the mix. Veteran infielder Justin Turner is reportedly headed to the Blue Jays on a one-year deal, as Toronto looks to better their chances of making the playoffs for a third straight season.
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A Look at Turner
After a lengthy career with the Dodgers, Justin Turner — who went from Mets castoff to NL All-Star thanks in large part to swing and mechanics tweaks made in the early 2010s — took a two-year deal with Boston last winter. It’s safe to say the deal worked for both sides.
Turner spent much of 2023 either in the #2 or #3 slot of a Red Sox lineup that also included Rafael Devers and thrived. At the age of 38, Turner batted .276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs, 54 extra-base hits, and a career 96 RBI for the Sox.
His 96 RBI were the fourth-highest among primary DHs (min. 60% GP) in the league last season, behind Yordan Alvarez, Marcell Ozuna, and J.D. Martinez.
A savvy hitter at the plate, Turner’s tweaks that he made to his swing, which included a modified leg kick and better weight transfer, are well-documented. But that’s not the only asset that Turner has going for him.
He’s a hitter who doesn’t too much at the plate and won’t look to pull the ball often on pitches away. And, his good discipline and eye have allowed him to recognize pitches well, hit breaking balls and offspeed just as well as fastballs, and be a reliable bat even as he approaches 40.
Defensively, Turner saw time at first, second, and third last year for the Sox. But, Turner fits better at the DH slot at this point of his career.
Per reports, Justin Turner will receive a one-year deal worth $13MM with the Blue Jays. We rated Turner as the ninth-best hitter available in free agency.
Analysis
Even though Turner turned down a $13.4MM player option with the Red Sox, Turner did come out ahead thanks to the $6.7MM buyout. And, Turner landed with a Blue Jays team that needed some added punch and protection for the likes of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Last season, Toronto ranked 13th in the league in slugging percentage (.417), a dip from 2022 when the Jays ranked third (.431).
Turner has proven to be a very steady hand, thanks to his strong contact skills, power, and discipline at the plate. And given the Jays’ inconsistencies at the plate, Turner can certainly be a stabilizing presence provided he stays healthy.
It’s also plausible that Turner could see time at first — much like how the Jays used Brandon Belt in 2023 — or third. The Jays saw Matt Chapman head to market this past winter and Turner does have extensive experience at third.
However, a -4 Outs Above Average at the position and the fact that Turner is 39 years old likely means he won’t see much time there. Toronto does have Davis Schneider on their roster, as well as Cavan Biggio. Both can play third, as can prospect Orelvis Martinez.