4 former Red Sox still without a job as spring training approaches
There are a lot of former Red Sox sitting in the free-agent market. Some left the team recently, and others less so.
The 2023-24 offseason has been slow-going on many fronts — lots of free agents sit available and waiting for interest, and there haven't been many trades to pass the time, either. As February inches closer and the time for pitchers and catchers to report approaches, signatures for these former Boston players are likely on the horizon.
Among the unmatched Sox in the free-agent pool, some options may fit into Boston's current needs while others would be better suited elsewhere. A reunion with the Red Sox seems less and less likely by the day for many of these players, but Boston fans can dream.
Some of these guys could still be Red Sox if the ownership group's budget hadn't been so tight in recent years, which may be one of the reasons they were hesitant to come back to Boston in the first place. There are some popular former Sox in this free-agent class — fans will definitely be curious to see where some of these players end up in 2024 and beyond.
4 former Red Sox still without a job as spring training approaches
Justin Turner - INF
Turner earned fan-favorite status early in his tenure with the Red Sox last season. He and his ferocious red beard look like they belong in Boston, but a reunion between the two isn't likely to happen soon.
Turner spent the better part of his season with the Red Sox as a designated hitter, but he also rotated around the infield, highlighting his versatility. He played 146 games last season, a high number in a single season for the veteran — Turner's value hasn't decreased much with his age. He also offers a well-rounded and secure presence as a leader in any clubhouse, something that the Red Sox treasured from the 39-year-old.
Turner's age is likely one of the many factors barring him from returning to Boston. He demands more money than John Henry is willing to spend for a veteran infielder, and Turner would likely rather play for a competitive team in his last few seasons in the league. MLB insider and New York Post columnist Jon Heyman has stated that Turner could return to the Red Sox, as he fills a need for a powerful right-handed bat early in the order, but he lists the New York Mets, equally hungry for righty power, as another viable landing spot.