New York Mets Exploring Reunion With Former Infielder

The New York Mets have a veteran need in the infield after the injury to Ronny Mauricio and a former Met could be the answer.

A decade ago, he was the New York Mets’ future. A decade later, he could be again.

Per the New York Post, the Mets are showing an interest in a veteran that didn’t pan out as a young player — Justin Turner.

Turner is coming off a 2023 season with the Boston Red Sox in which he batted .276 with 23 home runs and 96 RBI. It marked his fifth season of 20 or more home runs, and his second in the last three seasons. Last season he was primarily a first baseman and designated hitter.

A reunion is possible because the Mets have a need for an infielder that can play multiple positions. The Mets just lost Ronny Mauricio for a good portion of 2024 due to a torn ACL and he was considered an option there. Turner can play third base, as well.

Fair to say Turner, even at 38, is now the player the Mets hoped they were getting when he started with them as a young player back in 2010 after the Mets claimed him off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.

Turner played just four games in 2010, but got in 117 games in 2011, 94 games in 2012 and 86 games in 2013. With the Mets, he batted a solid .265 with just eight home runs and 86 RBI.

But he wasn’t the played he became with the Los Angeles Dodgers, starting in 2014. The Mets non-tendered him after the 2013 season, the Dodgers picked him up and he became a vital cog in their offense as he batted .296 with 156 home runs and 574 RBI. He was a two-time All-Star and helped Los Angeles win the 2020 World Series.

Turner has a lifetime batting average of .288 with 187 home runs and 759 RBI. He’s made two All-Star teams and was the 2022 Roberto Clemente winner.

But, his average and his power numbers are still there, which makes him an inviting, and perhaps relatively cheap option, for a Mets team that could use some cheap power with a good average in 2024.