TORONTO: The Major League Baseball franchise announced on Tuesday that Justin Turner, the designated hitter, has agreed to
terms on a one-year contract worth US$13 million, giving the Toronto Blue Jays some much-needed pop in their lineup.
With Brandon Belt leaving Toronto for free agency, the 39-year-old Turner, who hit.276 with 23 home runs and 96 runs batted in
during the previous season for the Boston Red Sox, will have to fill the vacancy at DH.
Turner, who has a track record of success in the postseason, will probably bat in the middle of Toronto’s lineup, which had some
difficulties in the previous season.
He played most of the previous season as a designated hitter but also saw some action in the infield, primarily at first base.
Throughout his 15-year tenure with
With the Dodgers, he made the playoffs nine times in a row (2014–22). Turner won a World Series in 2020 and shared the 2017 NLCS
MVP award.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins stated in a release that “Justin Turner has proven himself not only as an exceptional player on
the field, but also an exemplary leader in the clubhouse.” “Justin possesses admirable qualities; he consistently pursues victory and
has a history of delivering in big moments.”
The Blue Jays, who were swept in the wild-card round for the second consecutive year and haven’t won a postseason game since 2016,
have had a relatively quiet off-season.
Last month, Toronto signed infielder Isiah to a one-year contract worth $10.5 million and re-signed center-fielder Kevin Kiermaier.
Turner was given a $6.7 million buyout instead of the $13.4 million player option he had with the Red Sox.
Pitchers and catchers will report to Dunedin, Florida, on February 15th, the first day of spring training for the Blue Jays. Four days
before the team’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, on February 20, is the first full-squad session.
Toronto will play Tampa Bay on March 28 to kick off the 2024 regular season.
The Canadian Press originally released this article on January 30, 2024.
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