The 2023 Boston Red Sox might be lacking in terms of depth and experience at the shortstop position, at least with Xander Bogaerts departed for San Diego and Trevor Story rehabbing after his UCL bracing surgery. But they won’t be lacking in terms of veteran leadership and character thanks to the addition of Justin Turner. The utility infielder and DH brings a strong resumé, solid play and a clutch bat to a team in the AL in desperate need of all that. But just how did Turner decide in free agency to depart the team out west he’d been an integral part of for the last nine years?
Bill Belichick, who had an interesting 2022 as far as text messages go, has had a nice relationship with Red Sox manager Alex Cora for some time. The Patriots coach has reached out to him previously in a show of support, so it’s not a total surprise that he advocated for the Sox and the city. Still, it’s a bit of a surprise, given that Turner is hardly the prize of the MLB offseason, but as we’ learned this past year Bill will do a lot of things, many unorthodox, for his friends in sports. Turner seemed flattered by the message, citing it among many reasons why he chose Boston, along with a very aggressive recruitment campaign by friend and former Dodger Kiké Hernandez.
In a sea of negative stories about both the Pats and Sox of late, it’s a welcome respite to share a positive one for a change. Turner will be called upon for a number of responsibilities on a Red Sox team in transition, in a tough division, looking to rebound after a disappointing 2022. Suffice to say he’ll be more than ready to do his job.
