The Boston Red Sox have played without their slugging first baseman for nearly 100 days. As more delays occurred in Triston Casas' rib injury rehab, fans and reporters posited a potential first-base trade for the Sox.
Many of the rumors involved former Red Sox fan-favorite Justin Turner. The veteran corner infielder hoped to play in Boston in 2024, but he signed with the division rival Toronto Blue Jays instead.
Months later, the Jays have held onto last place in the American League East with a franchise-record high payroll. They're clear sellers before the July 30 trade deadline, and Turner was one of their first players out the door.
On the afternoon of July 29, Turner was traded to the Seattle Mariners. They designated Ty France, a third baseman, for assignment on July 23 and needed a new corner infielder to fill the gap. Turner will join his new squad in his old stomping grounds to face off with the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Red Sox miss out on potential reunion with Justin Turner, face him with his new squad right after
The Mariners are closing in on the Red Sox in the wild card standings, and Boston's sloppy playing on July 30 didn't help matters. The Red Sox accumulated three eros against Seattle, including one by first baseman Dominic Smith. Had Boston traded for Turner and placed him at first, maybe some of its defensive miscues could've been avoided.
Turner is batting .257/.351/.373 with 17 doubles and six homers in 90 games. The 39-year-old got off to a slow start early in the campaign, but he boosted his trade value in recent weeks to be shipped to a contender. He's slashing .314/.423/.422 in his last 30 games.
This just in... Justin Turner 🔥
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 29, 2024
We’ve acquired two-time All-Star INF @redturn2 and cash considerations from the Blue Jays in exchange for minor league OF RJ Schreck. #TridentsUp
🔗 https://t.co/O2XMwBPNrS pic.twitter.com/2vbQ0WA26d
Turner hasn't played much infield this season and spent most of his games with Toronto as the designated hitter. The Red Sox's defense is notoriously unstable, and adding a player who hasn't spent much time in the infield this year could be a risk, which may be why the Sox didn't go for Turner.
Had he signed in Boston, he could've played first until Casas returned, then platooned with him, or played third on some days when Rafael Devers needs to give his sore shoulder a bit of extra rest. However, Devers has generally played through his shoulder pain well and Casas is nearing his return, as he began his rehab assignment with the WooSox on deadline day.
The Red Sox have hours left to decide on the final additions to the lineup. Turner, the newest Mariner, won't be among them, but hopefully, another righty bat with a similar skillset will be.