Blue Jays sign 2-time All-Star slugger
Aug 14, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Blue Jays logo during batting practice against the Cleveland Guardians at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed a new designated hitter who is accustomed to playing in the AL East.
Veteran slugger Justin Turner agreed to a 1-year deal with the Blue Jays on Tuesday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. The deal is worth $13 million in base salary with another possible $1.5 million in incentives.
Turner is expected to serve primarily as a DH in Toronto but will make some starts at first and third 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. https://t.co/bpErqv4OU1
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 30, 2024
Turner spent the 2023 season with the Boston Red Sox. He declined his $13.4 million player option for 2024, instead opting for a $6.7 million buyout that allowed him to hit free agency.
The 39-year-old Turner also explored the possibility of a reunion with one of his former teams before signing with Toronto.
Turner was plenty productive with the Red Sox last season. He appeared in 146 games and batted .276 with 23 home runs and a career-high 96 RBI.
Turner was with the Dodgers for nine seasons prior to landing in Boston. He was named an All-Star in 2017 and 2021. He won a World Series with L.A. in 2020.
