Designated hitter Justin Turner has agreed to a one-year, $13-million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, the team announced Tuesday.
Turner, 39, declined his $13.4-million option for 2024 with the Boston Red Sox after signing a two-year, $22-million deal with the club prior to last season.
Turner slashed .276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs and a career-best 96 RBI in 146 games with Boston.
The native of Long Beach, Calif., joined the Red Sox after nine years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a two-time all-star with L.A. and helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 2020.
“Justin Turner has proven himself not only as an exceptional player on the field, but also an exemplary leader in the clubhouse,” said Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins. “Justin’s history of delivering in big moments and his consistent pursuit of winning are admirable traits. Additionally, he and (his wife) Kourtney’s commitment to charitable work is equally inspiring and aligns with our team’s values. We couldn’t be more excited for the impact Justin will have on our franchise both on and off the field.”
A seventh-round pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2006, Turner was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2008 and made his MLB debut with that team in 2009.
The New York Mets picked Turner up off waivers in 2010 and he stayed there until he was non-tendered after the 2013 season.
The Dodgers then signed him to a minor-league contract, starting what turned out to be a productive partnership.
For his career, Turner has slashed .288/.363/.465 with 187 homers and 759 RBIs.