According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets have been in contact with Justin Turner’s representatives as a free agent. Turner is a corner infielder. They become the third team believed to be in the running for the 39-year-old, along with the Diamondbacks and the defending Red Sox.
More than ten years ago, Turner lived in Queens for three and a half seasons. He appeared to be a competent (but unspectacular) infielder at the time. During his time with the Mets, Turner hit.265/.326/.370 before making the move to the Dodgers for the 2014 season. Turner’s meteoric rise was sparked by his altered swing and change of scenery. Before joining Boston in the summer, he spent nine seasons with Los Angeles, where he hit at a.296/.375/.490 rate.
Turner is still a pretty excellent hitter at his age. He hit.276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs in 626 plate appearances last season. Turner used strong power and bat discipline to limit his strikeout percentage to a respectable 17.6%. Turner, a right-handed hitter, saw notable platoon splits in the previous season, especially when it came to slugging, but he usually does just as well or better against same-handed pitching.
Turner’s defensive responsibilities have decreased even though he hasn’t shown many symptoms of regression in the batter’s box. He played third base and designated hitter equally in his last season with the Dodgers. Turner started at designated hitter 98 times in Boston, although he saw little defensive action. He opened 35 games at first base, started four at second, and covered the hot corner seven times. Rafael Devers and Triston Casas play at the infield corners for the Sox, which contributes to this in part. However, it’s also unclear how much defensive pressure Turner can bear at this point in his career.
The Mets shouldn’t have to worry about that. Turner wouldn’t play a lot of first base until Pete Alonso got hurt. However, New York lacks reliable options at third base and designated hitter. Young hitters Mark Vientos and Brett Baty are projected to start in their respective roles. Despite being formerly highly anticipated prospects, neither has yet to make an impact at the major league level.
During the winter meetings, David Stearns, president of baseball operations, stated that the Mets were not in the market for a third baseman. That came before rookie infielder Ronny Mauricio, who had looked like a solid contender for third base before suffering a winter ball ailment, suffered an unlucky ACL tear. Turner could fit at DH even if the Mets chose to give Baty the hot corner, but it’s unclear how that would affect Stearns and the front office’s calculations.
MLBTR projected Turner to sign a $16 million, one-year contract. The Mets have stated that the 2025 season is their first priority, but they aren’t willing to give up on the ’24 campaign just yet. In addition to the rotation concerns that have been the focus, there is a need for at least one middle-of-the-order offensive presence  organization’s focus so far.
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