Justin Turner, who was one of the Red Sox’s top hitters last season, reportedly is drawing interest from the Mets in free agency.
New York Post’s Mike Puma wrote, “The Mets, according to a source, have been engaged in discussions with Turner’s camp after initiating contact with the former All-Star early in the offseason.”
Turner turned 39 on Nov. 23. The two-time All-Star enjoyed a nice season with Boston in 2023, batting .276 with a .345 on-base percentage, .455 slugging percentage, .800 OPS, 23 homers, 31 doubles, 86 runs, 96 RBIs, 51 walks and 110 strikeouts in 146 games (626 plate appearances). He started 98 games at DH, 35 games at first base, seven games at third base and four games at second base.
Turner declined the 2024 $13.4 million player option in his Red Sox contract to become a free agent Nov. 3. He was expected to opt out because he received a $6.7 million buyout, meaning the DH/first baseman left only $6.7 million on the table. He’ll make more than that in free agency.
Turner said Nov. 10 that he was still hopeful about re-signing with the Red Sox.
“I would love to be back and be with the Sox,” Turner said, appearing before the Pedro Martinez Foundation Gala at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. “I think the crazy thing is that as great as our experience was, we finished in last place in the AL East. From what I’ve heard from all these guys — Pedro included — is how amazing this town is when you’re making a playoff run.
BET ANYTHINGGET $250 BONUSESPN BET
21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
“I want to be a part of that. It has been A-plus across the board in everything we’ve done and that’s with finishing in fifth place in the AL East. I want to know what it’s like to play in a playoff game for the Red Sox, not against them.”
