TORONTO – Justin Turner is ready to be whichever version of himself the Toronto Blue Jays desire
TORONTO – Justin Turner is ready to be whichever version of himself the Toronto Blue Jays desire.
“My job is to be available for (manager John) Schneider in any way he needs me, and for as many games as I possibly can,” Turner said on a video conference Friday, speaking to reporters for the first time since signing a one-year contract with the Blue Jays worth US$13 million plus incentives on Jan. 30.
“I want to be healthy for 162 (games) and I want Schneids to be able to plug me in wherever he needs me to play.
“Whether that’s playing a lot of third base, I’ll be ready to play third base. If it’s spelling Vlad at first, I’ll be ready for that. And, if it’s mainly a DH role, that’s great, too.”
Versatility and unselfishness have been Turner’s calling cards throughout his successful 15-year MLB career, which he spent primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But while Turner possesses a utilityman resume to make his manager’s wish come true, age has limited his field work to spot duty in recent years.
The 39-year-old made just seven starts at third base for the Boston Red Sox in 2023, mixing in 10 starts at second and 41 at first while primarily serving as designated hitter.
The Blue Jays, however, were in need of a veteran clean-up slugger after Brandon Belt departed in free agency.
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