The Boston Red Sox have made it clear this offseason: they’re in the market for power. After missing out on big-ticket sluggers like Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is still in the hunt, with names like Alex Bregman and Ketel Marte reportedly on the radar. But if Boston wants to get creative - and maybe a little nostalgic - there’s a familiar face who could offer some sneaky upside: Justin Turner.
Yes, that Justin Turner. The same Turner who became a fan favorite during his 2023 stint in Boston, where he mashed 23 home runs and posted a career-high 96 RBIs while bouncing around the infield like a seasoned utility man with pop. That version of Turner was a key piece in the Red Sox lineup - a steady bat, a veteran presence, and a guy who just knew how to drive in runs.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the story’s changed. Turner, now 41, had a tough go with the Cubs, struggling to a .602 OPS and managing just three home runs over 80 games.
It was, by most measures, the least productive season of his 17-year career. Chicago declined his option, and Turner hit free agency for the fourth straight winter.
So why should the Red Sox even consider a reunion?
Well, for starters, the price tag won’t be steep. This isn’t a $30 million-a-year conversation.
It’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward flyer on a veteran who’s shown he can still contribute when healthy and in the right environment. And if there’s any place where Turner might rediscover his swing, Boston - where he thrived just two seasons ago - makes a lot of sense.
From a roster standpoint, Turner could be a smart fit. He’s a right-handed bat who could complement lefty slugger Triston Casas at first base, forming a natural platoon. And with his ability to play third base, he also provides valuable insurance in case the Red Sox don’t land Bregman or if injuries strike during the grind of a 162-game season.
Turner’s track record speaks for itself. He’s topped 20 home runs in five different seasons, and while 2025 was a down year, it’s not the first time he’s faced doubt. Over the years, he’s made a career out of proving people wrong - turning early-career struggles into a late-career resurgence that few saw coming.
There’s no guarantee Turner bounces back. At 41, the margin for error is razor thin.
But the Red Sox don’t need him to carry the lineup - they need depth, leadership, and a bat that can still do damage in the right matchup. Turner checks those boxes, and he’s done it in Boston before.
If Breslow and the front office are looking for a cost-effective way to add experience and versatility, Turner’s name deserves to be back in the conversation. He won’t be the headline move of the offseason, but he might just be the kind of savvy addition that pays off when it matters most.