Blue Jays Reportedly Pursuing Pair Of Ex-Red Sox Fan-Favorites After Strong Seasons
It sounds like one Boston Red Sox rival may be looking into landing at least one slugger this offseason.
The Toronto Blue Jays have been extremely active this offseason. Toronto has been surprising this offseason and even was in the running for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani before he ultimately landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Toronto ultimately missed out on Ohtani and now is returning to the drawing board. The Blue Jays reportedly have been in the market for a new designated hitter and two options for the club reportedly are former Red Sox fan-favorites J.D. Martinez and Justin Turner, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.
"If (Scott Boras) is seeking a seven-year commitment for (Matt Chapman), some teams may turn their focus elsewhere, but there’s no doubt he’s among the best players available," Nicholson-Smith said. "The (San Francisco Giants) are seen as a viable landing spot for the 30-year-old, with the Blue Jays, (Chicago Cubs), and (Los Angeles Angels) mentioned as possible fits by other industry observers.
"But while there’s scarcity at third base, there’s some depth to the DH market, which may allow the Blue Jays to wait. Sure, they could rush to get something done today, and they have some degree of interest in (Rhys Hoskins), (J.D. Martinez), Joc Pederson, Justin Turner, and Joey Votto, among various others, but they may be able to wait on that front, knowing that someone talented will be available in four or five weeks, perhaps at a lower price."
Both Turner and Martinez have been hot commodities this offseason. Although the free agent market has been slow so far this offseason, there have been plenty of rumors so far this offseason.
Turner has been linked to multiple clubs including the Blue Jays, New York Mets, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Martinez has been linked to the Blue Jays, Mets, Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Angels.
Both of the sluggers had strong seasons in 2023 and it's clear they will have strong markets when free agency heats up.
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