This winter, the New York Mets and Justin Turner “have been engaged in discussions,” as Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.
His versatility in the infield appears to be appealing to the Mets. Turner spent the previous season playing for Boston at first, second, and third base. Still, he was the team’s designated hitter for the vast majority of the 98 games he played.
Puma stated that Turner might alternate between second base, third base, and DH if he signed.
During the Red Sox’s disappointing season, the 39-year-old was among their best players. With 146 games played, he was the second-most active player on the team. His 96 RBIs were second only to Rafael Devers’ 100.
Despite his advanced age, Turner’s 146 games played are even more remarkable in light of the injury he sustained in the second half.
Despite having a bruised bone in his right foot, the designated hitter/infielder chose to continue playing.
Turner stated to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe that a normal player would miss four to six weeks due to this kind of injury. He was not going to watch Boston struggle in the intense American League East for that long.
I’m just trying to be intelligent. At this point in the season, I’m not sure what the answer is, Turner said to Speier in August. There is a difference between doing what is necessary and doing what is right. All you have to do is wrap it with duct tape, apply WD-40, and attempt to assist us in winning games.
Turner was undoubtedly one of the Red Sox’s leaders in the clubhouse in 2023, and his demeanor off the field matched his above-average numbers. After Xander Bogaerts left the team last winter, Boston was without a true foreman. However, in January 2023, veteran Turner signed a contract to join the team.
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