The Red Sox have terminated their contract with the veteran Justin Turner afternoon. Preliminary reports On the deal, which was agreed in December, it’s been a bit fluid.
John Heyman of the New York Post outlined the details this afternoon (on Twitter). It’s officially a two-year $21.7 million warranty which comes in at an average annual value of $10.85 million. The deal also contains up to $1 million in incentives that could max out if he reaches 560 plate appearances. As previously reported, Turner will have the opportunity to opt out after the 2023 campaign.
The Vayner Sports client will earn $8.3 million in salary this year. At the end of the season, he will have to decide on a $13.4 million player option or a $6.7 million buy to return to free agency. This massive acquisition means Turner will collect $15 million for one season if he so chooses, and he’ll only have to fork over $6.7 million on the open market to come out financially. Matching or topping the .278/.350/.438 streak he posted through 532 plate appearances during his final season with the Dodgers should allow him to beat that number fairly easily.
The two-time All-Star spent nine seasons in Southern California after his first few years as a role player with the Orioles and Mets. Taking to Twitter This evening to thank the Dodgers organization and its fans after officially putting pen to paper with Boston.
With Rafael Devers And the Triston Casas Assigned to man in the corner zone, it looks like Turner will spend a decent amount of time as designated hitter in 2023. He will replace JD Martinezwho coincidentally landed in Los Angeles on a one-year free agent deal.
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