Red Sox Slugger Officially Declines Player Option; Sides Have Mutual Interest In Return

Will Boston bring a fan-favorite slugger into the fold for the 2024 season?

In an unsurprising move, Boston Red Sox slugger Justin Turner officially has declined his player option with the club for the 2024 season. 

This move certainly was expected. The Red Sox signed Turner to a two-year deal worth over $21 million ahead of the 2023 season but the slugger held a player option for the 2024 season and has declined it, according to the club. 

"The Red Sox today declined (right-handed pitcher) Corey Kluber’s 2024 club option," the club said. "Justin Turner today declined his 2024 player option."

If Turner had opted into the deal, he would've earned just over $13 million next season. After a successful 2023 campaign in which Turner arguably was Boston's best hitter for much of the season, he likely will land a multi-year deal this offseason and could get a raise. 

It's unclear where Turner will land, but he left a strong impression on the Red Sox and there is a possibility that he is back with the club next year on a new deal. Boston reportedly is interested in a reunion and there is mutual interest on Turner's part, as well. It would make sense to bring him back into the fold after he clubbed 23 home runs and drove in a career-high 96 runs. Boston needs another right-handed bat in the lineup and Turner had success with the club. 

Even if the Red Sox were to bring Turner back, it likely wouldn't be for more than a two-year deal. He will be 39 years old when the 2024 campaign kicks off. If the Red Sox can't land Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani, Turner could be a great option to bring back into the fold. 

Free agency will kick off shortly and we will find out more details about Turner's plans in the not-so-distant future.

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