Former Dodgers Third Baseman Justin Turner to Sign With Toronto Blue Jays: Reports

Former Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner has agreed to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to multiple reports. Carlos Baerga of the Me Gustan Los Deportes podcast was first to report the two sides were close Monday night.

Turner hit 23 home runs with a .276 batting average and 95 RBIs last season for the Boston Red Sox. After the season, Turner declined the $13.4 million player option in his contract, exercising a $6.7 million buyout instead to become a free agent.

In nine years with the Dodgers (2014-22), Turner established himself as one of the best third basemen in the game, hitting .288 to go with 156 home runs and 574 RBIs.

Turner started 98 games at designated hitter and 41 at first base for the Red Sox, while also seeing time at second and third. Clearly, the relaxed demands on his fielding were a net positive: Turner’s 144 starts were the most ever in his 15-year major league career.

The San Francisco Giants had been linked to Turner — an aesthetically awkward match for a Dodgers franchise icon. Instead, he’ll remain in the American League East for another season.

The signing ostensibly takes the Blue Jays out of the running for former Dodgers designated hitter J.D. Martinez, with whom they had been linked in the rumor mill.

The knockdown effects of Turner’s contract could extend to the National League West as well:

Turner turned 39 in November but remained one of the most coveted right-handed bats in the free agent market. Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette agreed, publicly mentioning Turner as a desired target. Ostensibly Bichette’s superiors in the front office were listening.

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training around baseball in two weeks.

Photo Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

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