Justin Turner, the former Dodgers third baseman, is entering free agency for the second consecutive offseason after declining his option with the Boston Red Sox. While there has been speculation about a potential reunion with the Dodgers, it appears unlikely at this point.
Turner, who is undoubtedly in the latter stages of his career, is likely to prioritize joining a team with a strong chance of winning. His performance last year demonstrated that he still possesses power at the plate, boasting a .276 batting average with 23 home runs and 96 runs batted in.
MLB analyst Will Fleitch has raised the intriguing possibility of Turner returning to where his journey began, the New York Mets. Such a move would add an interesting twist to the free agency landscape and carry a sense of irony. Mets fans would likely welcome Turner with open arms, and he could rejoin the organization that initially gave him an opportunity.
A handful of impactful veteran bats are on the free agent market this offseason 🧐@williamfleitch takes a look at how things could shape up for J.D. Martinez and Justin Turner following their strong 2023 seasons. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/VO9mAfpP63
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 28, 2023
Furthermore, Turner has a reputation as a valuable presence in the locker room, making him a desirable addition for the Mets. His veteran leadership could fill a void within the team, and he brings a winning mentality from his time with the Dodgers, which aligns with New York’s goals. The prospect of Turner donning a Mets uniform next season is an appealing one.