Blue Jays Reportedly Agree to One-Year Deal with Justin Turner

The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly reached an agreement on a one-year deal with veteran baseball player Justin Turner. The news, first reported by MLB Network, brings one of the most reliable players in the game to Toronto. Although the club has not officially confirmed the deal, it is believed to be worth $13 million, with an additional $1.5 million in bonuses based on roster and performance.

The Blue Jays identified the need for a veteran bat on their roster, and this sentiment was echoed by some of their key players, including Bo Bichette. In a recent interview on 590 The FAN’s ‘Blair & Barker,’ Bichette mentioned Turner as someone he would like to play alongside to improve the team’s chances of winning a World Series. Bichette emphasized that players should strive to be the best and mentioned Turner and J.D. Martinez as players who could provide not only on-field contributions but also serve as off-field mentors.

At 39 years old, the Blue Jays are banking on Turner having another strong season, especially after witnessing his performance with the Boston Red Sox last year. Turner has consistently maintained an OPS above .800 throughout the past decade, showcasing his offensive prowess. While he primarily played first base and served as a designated hitter for the Red Sox, he also covered second base and made a few appearances at third base when needed.

In Toronto, Turner’s versatile skill set could be utilized in a similar way. Depending on the Blue Jays’ future moves in free agency or potential trades, the lineup could take different shapes. Turner could be slotted in as the team’s designated hitter or play first base, while also providing backup defense at third base if required. However, given Toronto’s emphasis on strong defense, it remains to be seen how often the 39-year-old will be deployed at the hot corner.

Turner’s offensive contributions are undeniable, which is precisely what drew the Blue Jays to him. Last season, he posted a .276 batting average with 23 home runs and an .800 OPS, making him a suitable replacement for Brandon Belt in terms of production. Additionally, Turner boasts a solid .352 on-base percentage over the past three seasons, filling another gap in the lineup.

Moreover, Turner’s experience and leadership on and off the field cannot be overstated. Bichette and other young leaders on the Blue Jays acknowledge the need for guidance, despite the team no longer consisting of a primarily youthful roster. With 15 years of MLB experience and an impressive postseason track record, including winning the 2020 World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Turner brings invaluable knowledge and a winning mentality to the organization.

The recent addition of utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa and now Turner on one-year deals seems to suggest a larger plan for the Blue Jays’ offseason. As we approach Spring Training and the start of the season, Toronto’s full picture will begin to emerge, revealing how these acquisitions fit into their strategic objectives.