Why former Red Sox prospect Ty Buttrey decided to unretire
There were certainly no expectations that Justin Turner would absolutely return for a second season with the Red Sox, particularly after the designated hitter/infielder declined his player option for 2024.
But there was interest from the Red Sox in bringing back the 39-year-old, and for good reason. Turner represented one of the most reliable bats in the Sox' lineup throughout 2023, hitting .276 with an .800 OPS and 23 homers in 146 games. This despite playing through a foot injury for the final two months of the season.
And then there was the leadership provided in the Red Sox' clubhouse, with Turner quickly emerging as one of the most powerful presences on the team.
But now the Red Sox will have to watch Turner do his thing in another American League East city, with multiple reports stating he has agreed to a one-year deal with the Blue Jays. According to Jon Heyman, the deal is worth $13 million plus bonuses.
The Blue Jays, of course, have already been in the market for a designated hitter this offseason, as was evident in their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani. Turner figure to help fill Toronto's DH spot while also helping at third base, which has been vacated by Matt Chapman.
The Red Sox remain on a lookout to help fill their DH spot, with another member of the 2023 Red Sox Adam Duvall still in consideration.