Justin Turner and Toronto Blue Jays agree to $13 million, 1-year contract
Boston Red Sox's Justin Turner celebrates his RBI double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Boston. Infielder Justin Turner and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $13 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, because the agreement for the 39-year-old was subject to a successful physical. Credit: AP/Michael Dwyer
TORONTO — Veteran infielder Justin Turner and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a $13 million, one-year contract that allows him to earn up to $14.5 million.
The 39-year-old hit .276 with 23 homers, 96 RBIs and an .800 OPS last season for the Boston Red Sox. The two-time All-Star spent the previous nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Turner can earn $1.25 million in performance bonuses and $250,000 in roster bonuses as part of the deal announced Tuesday. He would get $125,000 each for 500, 525, 550 and 575 plate appearances, and $250,000 apiece for 600, 625 and 650. He also would get $150,000 for 120 days on the active roster and $100,00 for 150.
He earned $16 million from his contract with Boston last year: an $8.3 million salary, $1 million in performance bonuses and a $6.7 million buyout of the $13.4 million player option he declined.
Toronto has been eager to add offense to a team that struggled to score last season. He was a designated hitter 98 times last year and appeared 41 times in the infield. Free agent Matt Chapman played third base for Toronto last season.
Turner was co-winner of the 2017 NL Championship Series MVP award and won a World Series title in 2020. He is a .288 career hitter with 187 homers and 759 RBIs in 15 seasons with Baltimore (2009-10), the New York Mets (2010-13), the Dodgers (2014-22) and the Red Sox.
“Justin Turner has proven himself not only as an exceptional player on the field, but also an exemplary leader in the clubhouse,” Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said in a news release. “Justin’s history of delivering in big moments and his consistent pursuit of winning are admirable traits."
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