Blue Jays sign veteran major leaguer Justin Turner for 2024 season
2020 World Series champion had 23 homers, 96 RBI last season with Red Sox
The Toronto Blue Jays have added some much-needed pop to their lineup by agreeing to terms with designated hitter Justin Turner on a one-year contract worth $13 million US, the Major League Baseball team announced Tuesday.
The 39-year-old Turner, who hit .276 with 23 homers and 96 runs-batted-in last season for the Boston Red Sox, will be tasked with filling a void at DH in Toronto after the departure of Brandon Belt to free agency.
Turner is a proven playoff performer who will likely slot into the heart of the Toronto batting order, which struggled at times last year.
He served as DH for most of last season but also spent some time in the infield, mostly at first base.
Would expect Justin Turner to be the Jays' primary DH in 2024, with additional starts at 1B and 3B, based on what I've been told. <a href="https://t.co/bpErqv4OU1">https://t.co/bpErqv4OU1</a>
—@jonmorosiTurner can earn $1.25 million in performance bonuses and $250,000 in roster bonuses as part of the deal. He would get:
- $125,000 each for 500, 525, 550 and 575 plate appearances
- $250,000 apiece for 600, 625 and 650
- $150,000 for 120 days on the active roster and $100,00 for 150
Over his 15-year career with the Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, the two-time all-star has a .288 average with a .363 on-base percentage and .465 slugging percentage.
He reached the playoffs in nine straight years (2014-22) with the Dodgers. Turner was a co-winner of the NLCS MVP award in 2017 and won a World Series in 2020.
"Justin Turner has proven himself not only as an exceptional player on the field, but also an exemplary leader in the clubhouse," Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said in a release. "Justin's history of delivering in big moments and his consistent pursuit of winning are admirable traits."
It has been a rather quiet off-season for the Blue Jays, who were swept in the wild-card round for the second straight year and haven't won a playoff game since 2016.
There were reports this month that Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodriguez had agreed to a four-year deal but the club has not confirmed the signing.
Turner declined his $13.4-million player option with the Red Sox and received a $6.7-million buyout instead.
The Blue Jays will open spring training on Feb. 15 when pitchers and catchers report in Dunedin, Fla. The first full-squad workout is Feb. 20, four days before the team's pre-season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Toronto will begin the 2024 regular season on March 28 at Tampa Bay.
With files from The Associated Press
