Red Sox, Justin Turner, Dodgers (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
The Boston Red Sox snagged a Dodgers fan favorite infielder, Justin Turner, in free agency.
The Boston Red Sox have announced that they signed infielder Justin Turner to a one-year deal with a player option in 2024.
According to the Boston Globe, the deal is for $8.4 million.
Turner was a part of the 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series team, and over his nine years in LA became a fan favorite. He made it to two All-Star teams during his time with the Dodgers, and finished as high as 14th in MVP voting (2018).
What role will Justin Turner play for Boston Red Sox?
In recent years Turner has played third base primarily, but with that role occupied by Rafael Devers, Turner will likely be used as a designated hitter, second baseman, and a fill-in infielder to get everyone off days.
It may not be out of the question for Turner to be used as shortstop. A perfunctory look at his career experience at short indicates it might be best to use him there just in emergency situations (he’s started only 30 games at short), but if it helps them sub in his bat for Trevor Story, the incumbent shortstop, it could be worth it.
With a small sample size, Turner has been just below average at shortstop fielding.
Turner brings energy and personality to a Red Sox team that will sorely need it after losing their own fan favorite, Xander Bogaerts this offseason to the San Diego Padres.