Former Red Sox Slugger Aiming For Reunion With Boston Via Free Agency
The focus on the Boston Red Sox has largely been on the need to acquire starting pitching this offseason.
Although pitching is still the main focus, the team’s biggest challenge lies in filling the designated hitter position.
Boston may choose to stick with tradition and bring in a power hitter who doesn’t spend much time in the field, such as Justin Turner or J.D. Instead of using Martinez, Jorge Soler, let’s give players like Masataka Yoshida, Rafael Devers, and Triston Casas a chance to take the field and keep them fresh, while also boosting the defense.
It seems that Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is favoring the former option, but the current designated hitter for Boston is optimistic about still playing a role.
“I really hope to return and reunite with the Sox,” Turner expressed to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo at the Pedro Martinez Foundation Gala on Friday. It’s crazy to think that despite a great experience, we ended up finishing in last place in the AL East. I’ve heard from everyone, including Pedro Martinez, about how incredible this town is during a playoff run.
Count me in for that. We have excelled in all areas, despite finishing in fifth place in the AL East. I’m curious about the experience of playing in a playoff game for the Red Sox, rather than against them.
In his first season with the Red Sox, Turner batted .276 with 54 extra-base hits, 23 of which were home runs. He also racked up 96 RBIs and achieved a .800 OPS (114 OPS+) in 146 games. It is almost certain that he would be a valuable asset on the offensive end for Boston.
Breslow is trying to figure out whether he sees Turner as a pure designated hitter or a versatile player. At 38 years old, he took on 41 games at first base, 10 at second base, and seven at third base, to possibly avoid being pigeonholed into the designated hitter role every day.
Martinez spent a total of 12 innings playing in the field last season. It is safe to remove him from Boston’s wish list.
It is evident that Turner is interested in a reunion, although he will also have numerous potential suitors. The right-handed slugger claimed to have received even more interest than last winter, when he had a minimum of five offers.
Breslow’s reluctance to include a dedicated hitter may lead to a friendly parting ways in the coming months.
