Could Justin Turner be headed for a reunion with Mets?
Oct 31, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers player Justin Turner at the Roberto Clemente Award press conference before game three of the 2022 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets are in search of a proven bat and infield insurance this offseason and as fate would have it, a familiar face is available. Enter Justin Turner.
Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that the Mets and Turner’s representatives are “engaged in discussions” about a potential reunion. This comes after the Mets reached out to Turner’s camp earlier in the offseason.
The 39-year-old Turner is also reportedly drawing interest from the Arizona Diamondbacks, so he’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to make his free agent decision.
Turner previously declined his $13.4 million player option to return to the Boston Red Sox in 2024. Instead, the two-time All-Star received a buyout worth $6.7 million and officially became a free agent.
Just before the MLB winter meetings, New York signed Joey Wendle to a one-year deal worth up to $2 million, but he’s likely to serve as a backup. Turner would step in and rotate between third base and designated hitter if he were to be signed.
Turner was originally selected by the New York Yankees in the 29th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft, but didn’t sign. The following year, he was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round and found himself traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2008.
After being waived in 2010, Turner was snatched up by the New York Mets, with whom he remained until being non-tendered following the 2013 season. He then had stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the aforementioned Red Sox.
In 1,539 career games, Justin Turner has hit .288/.363/.465 with 187 home runs, 759 RBI and 45 stolen bases. He received MVP votes in 2016, 2017 and 2018 as a member of the Dodgers.