Ex-Dodgers All-Star Floated As Possible Free Agent Option For Mets

It sounds like one All-Star slugger could be a free-agent fit for the Mets

The New York Mets have added multiple hurlers to the starting rotation and now need to add a bat to the middle of the lineup.

There have been a handful of players linked to the Mets but they haven't been able to get a deal done yet. One player who has been mentioned as a fit for the Mets on multiple occasions and could be a fit is two-time All-Star Justin Turner, according to NJ.com's Manuel Gómez.

"Turner has experience with the Mets," Gómez said. "He spent the better part of three seasons there at the start of his career, before signing with the Dodgers as a free agent in 2014. While Turner has been slowly transitioning into an everyday DH, he can also slot in at any position, except shortstop, around the infield.

"In 2023, Turner logged 41 games at first base, 10 games at second base, and seven games at third base. In Dec. 2023, the Mets engaged in discussions with Turner’s camp after initiating contact with the former All-Star early in the offseason, according to The Post. Turner is projected to sign a one-year, $16 million contract, according to MLB Trade Rumors. This would fall in line with the Mets’ plan this upcoming season, loading the roster with short-term deals."

Turner has been linked to the Mets on multiple occasions so far this offseason and even has discussed a possible deal with New York. Nothing has come to fruition to this point, but a deal certainly could be a possibility.

The 39-year-old began his career with the Baltimore Orioles but joined the Mets in 2010 and spent three-plus seasons in town. He joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014 and developed into a star earning his two career All-Star nods in 2017 and 2021. 

He spent the 2023 season with the Boston Red Sox and impressed once again with 23 home runs and a career-high 96 RBIs.