Red Sox rumors: Justin Turner could be out of town by trade deadline
What direction will the Boston Red Sox go at the trade deadline? That is a question that everyone is wanting an answer to and fast.
The trade deadline is less than a month away and the Red Sox sit at 43-43.
We could very well seem the Chaim Bloom approach of buying for the Red Sox at the deadline, while also selling off some other pieces too.
Remember last year when they brought in Eric Hosmer, but also traded away Christian Vàzquez? Yeah, you could see some moves like that at this year’s deadline as well.
One name that could be on the trading block is infielder Justin Turner. Turner is currently on a one-year deal with a player option for 2024. So it wouldn’t be all that surprising if Justin Turner finds himself elsewhere, post-trade deadline.
Boston Red Sox potentially getting a piece or two for Justin Turner
If the Boston Red Sox were to go down the route of trading away Justin Turner, they could definitely get a piece or two for the 38 year old veteran.
Now you’d have to be careful here if you’re the Red Sox. How many teams will be wanting to jump through hoops to get Turner on their roster? Not many, if we’re being honest.
BUT…if they can find a contender that needs a corner hitting infielder with plenty of playoff experience, then Justin Turner fits that description perfectly.
I could see a team like the Texas Rangers call about Turner. A team that thinks they have a chance to make a deep postseason run. The cost you’d get in return? Maybe a prospect, maybe two.
But see what you can get, especially if Turner keeps producing like he has been in 2023.
Boston Red Sox getting rid of money by trading Justin Turner
Like a lot of the moves that they made this off-season, Justin Turner would be a cheap contract to get off the books for next season.
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Turner is making $8.3 million for this 2023 season. Next season, he would make $11.4 million.
If the Red Sox wanted to continue their theme of continuing to get under the luxury tax, then getting rid of Turner’s contract for next season would make things a little easier.
It’s not a move that some would necessarily be willing to make. But if you have to do it in a bridge year, it is what it is at this point.
The bottom line with the Boston Red Sox and Justin Turner
The Red Sox better be ready to cut ties with Justin Turner, in the way of a trade.
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Let’s just call it spade of spade here, the Red Sox are going nowhere this season. It was a bridge year all along. So why not try to prepare for the future at this point?
Justin Turner has been fun to watch for the dugout vibes and has put up some decent numbers at the plate. But he isn’t a part of the long-term plan here.
We’ll see what happens, as this Red Sox organization has surprised us before with moves that leaves us scratching our heads. Don’t be surprised if Turner is out of town by the August 1st deadline.