Could Justin Turner be headed for a reunion with Mets?
The New York Mets are in search of a proven bat and infield insurance this offseason and as fate would have it, a familiar face is available. Enter Justin Turner.
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets and Turner’s representatives are currently in talks about a potential reunion. This news comes after the Mets reached out to Turner’s camp earlier in the offseason.
Turner, who is 39 years old, is also attracting interest from the Arizona Diamondbacks, so he will have plenty of options to consider when making his decision as a free agent.
In 2024, Turner declined his $13.4 million player option with the Boston Red Sox. Instead, he received a buyout worth $6.7 million and officially became a free agent.
Just before the MLB winter meetings, the New York Mets signed Joey Wendle to a one-year deal worth up to $2 million. However, it is likely that Wendle will serve as a backup. If Turner were to be signed, he would step in and rotate between third base and designated hitter.
Turner’s baseball journey began when he was selected by the New York Yankees in the 29th round of the 2005 MLB draft, but he did not sign. The following year, he was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round and eventually traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2008.
After being waived in 2010, Turner was picked up by the New York Mets, where he stayed until being non-tendered after the 2013 season. He then had stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the aforementioned Boston Red Sox.
In 1,539 career games, Justin Turner has hit .288/.363/.465 with 187 home runs, 759 RBI and 45 stolen bases. He received MVP votes in 2016, 2017 and 2018 as a member of the Dodgers.
