Justin Turner has had probably the most rollercoaster careers of any MLB participant. After 5 underwhelming seasons with the Orioles and Mets, it appeared like he was destined to be a journeyman who comes off the bench. He was even non-tendered by the Mets after the 2013 season. The one motive why the Dodgers gave him a minor-league contract was as a result of Tim Wallach, the Dodgers bench coach, noticed him hit at an alumni sport.
After coping with a number of accidents they referred to as up and gave him a chance. This was a transfer that paid off extraordinarily nicely for the Dodgers. In his first season in LA, he slashed .340/.404/.493 with seven residence runs, 43 RBIs, an OPS+ of 155, and a wRC+ of 158. This was only a signal of issues to come back, because the Dodgers made him a full-time starter going into 2015. He ended up spending 9 years with the Dodgers, slashing .296/.375/.490 with 156 residence runs, 574 RBIs, an OPS+ of 133, and a wRC+ of 138.
Since leaving the Dodgers, Turner has turn out to be a viable choice off the bench. He’s bounced round three completely different groups and has seen his play time diminish. Nonetheless, simply because Turner is within the closing phases of his profession shouldn’t deter groups from giving him a contract.
Justin Turner Has One thing Left
In 2024, between his time in Toronto and Seattle, he slashed .259/.354/.383 with 11 residence runs, 55 RBIs, a 114 OPS+, and a wRC+ of 117. Now whereas these numbers are common at greatest, he’s held again by a lackluster begin to the season. After he was traded to Seattle, he slashed .264/.363/.403 with 5 residence runs, 24 RBIs, a 128 OPS+, and a 126 wRC+.
If you wish to break down the numbers even additional, it was a dreadful Could and a below-average August that damage his numbers. His batting common was greater than .280 in each month however these two. His offensive numbers contribute to him registering a 5.7 offensive WAR in line with Fangraphs. Now, he’s not gonna be a game-changer within the lineup. Not gonna be somebody who different groups pitch round and are afraid to face. However, he’s somebody that may thrive on the backside of the order. A man that may provide you with successful when the staff wants it.
The one factor holding Turner again is his fielding means. Throughout his prime Turner was a flexible place participant. He performed all around the infield and will play within the outfield if the staff was in a bind. Nonetheless, with Turner turning 40 that versatility is gone. He can now solely be a delegated hitter, who can platoon at first. However simply because he’s not a utility participant doesn’t imply his offensive manufacturing can’t assist a staff.
What Groups Ought to Signal Him
Seattle Mariners
The staff that Turner makes essentially the most sense for is the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners had been the staff that acquired this previous season. It’s additionally the spot the place he had his most constant stretch of the season. That means no matter was occurring in Seattle was working for him. He both had some routine or was snug in Seattle which allowed him to have fixed manufacturing on the plate.
If Turner had been to resign with the Mariners, he’d be requested to do the identical factor he did final yr. Be the platoon choice at DH and first, in addition to mentor among the youthful guys on the offense. He’d even be an affordable choice for the Mariners’ offense woes. The most important factor retaining the Mariners from being a lock for the playoff was their struggles on the plate. Any type of assist or improve to their lineup is a serious assist. Though it’s not the massive bat they want, it’s one thing that may maintain the offense afloat till they’ll improve on the deadline.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are a darkish horse candidate to land the veteran infielder. Now he’s not a route the Tigers are at present pursuing. Proper now, all of their consideration is on bringing Alex Bregman to Detroit. Nonetheless, different groups just like the Astros and Cubs have an interest, in addition to being extra engaging touchdown spots. Each the Cubs and Astros have a lot greater upside and are nearer to being aggressive than Detroit. So until they overspend for Bregman, it’s onerous to see him touchdown there.
But, Turner might be a blessing in disguise for the Tigers. There are many younger gamers on the Tigers roster. Guys who’ve solely been within the bigs for just a few seasons, or have gotten off to tough begins. With Turner turning into a mentor determine in Seattle, he can play an identical function in Detroit. He can present guys like Parker Meadows or Riley Greene. He additionally may assist a man like Spencer Torkelson along with his struggles. As somebody who additionally struggled early in his profession, he can relate to Torkelson and assist him attempt to get his profession again on monitor.
Thanks for studying! Credit score for my function picture to Stephen Brashear. You’ll find extra MLB content material at Stomach Up Sports activities and comply with me on Twitter/X.