After nearly 8 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, former World Series champion Justin Turner became a free agent. His new destination was full of surprises and familiarity.
Turner joined his hometown Dodgers in February 2014 after a successful stint with the New York Mets. During this tenure, he decorated his career with a World Series ring in 2020, two All-Star teams in 2017 and 2021, the NLCS MVP in 2017, and finally the Roberto Clemente Award in 2022. Now with this bag full of accolades, he joins the Boston Red Sox this year.
The #RedSox today signed INF Justin Turner to a one-year contract for the 2023 season, with a player option for 2024. pic.twitter.com/NnB3Q6YutT
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 6, 2023
Turner signed a one-year contract that includes a player option for 2024 on December 18. The 38-year-old seems very excited for his new destination as he gets to reunite with World Series teammates Kiké Hernández and Kenley Jansen. Alex Verdugo and Chris Martin, another former teammate duo, is also playing for the Red Sox.
What did Justin Turner say regarding the new team?
Justin was pretty cheery about his new challenge with the Red Sox. “I’m excited again to get in this clubhouse, get with this group of guys that seems like it’s a really, really, good group of guys and the potential to do a lot of special things. And you know, the goal is to win a championship,” Justin said.
Welcome to the squad, @redturn2! pic.twitter.com/kQ8RYRLlNX
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 6, 2023
"Fortunately I got to land in a place like Boston…"
Justin Turner's on the roster! pic.twitter.com/IsauaNpdJr
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 7, 2023
When asked about former teammates and other familiar faces, Justin said, “There’s a ton of familiarity with a lot of former teammates that I’ve played with the Dodgers over here, so there were a lot of conversations,” he giggled, “Kiké is always in the middle of everything, as I’m sure you guys know. He’s a really, really, good friend of mine, and I talk to him a lot about everything, not just baseball. To say he didn’t have a big part of this would be a lie.”
This is gonna be fun. pic.twitter.com/rre3moexpo
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 6, 2023
Rafael Devers, another master hitter, will be up against this newly signed veteran third baseman. About Dever, Turner revealed his long cherished wish, “The No. 1 thing that stands out is getting the opportunity to watch Raffy play every day, the way he takes his at-bats and goes about his business. I watched him on TV from afar, and obviously I think he’s one of the more talented players in our game. Getting the opportunity to see what he’s about and be around him is really exciting.”
The Boston Red Sox fans are very delighted to have such a hard hitter on their roster. The right-hander scored 652 runs with 164 home runs in 1307 hits for the Orioles, Mets, and Dodgers in his career.
Reunited and it feels so good. 😁@kikehndez | @redturn2 pic.twitter.com/wAkdcscl2N
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 6, 2023
The RedTurn2 also feels excited and can not wait to entertain fans at their home venue Fenway park, “Every game kind of feels like a playoff atmosphere the fans are passionate and they want see us win. I’m looking forward to that opportunity.”
See you at Fenway. pic.twitter.com/XtfRbv9fRZ
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 7, 2023
What are your thoughts on the Red Sox signing Justin Turner? Can he achieve his goal at the new franchise? Please let us know in the comments section.
