Jun 28, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets owner Steve Cohen speaks to the media during a press conference before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
(Queens, NY) – Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Shohei Ohtani is one of the, if not the most sought after player, in the history of MLB free agency. As a two-way star in his prime (albeit in need of elbow surgery) Ohtani will command a massive, long-term contract.
Any team would he happy to sign him – the Mets will likely try – and that’s not worth much in terms of discussion. But there are plenty of other intriguing names on the open market the Mets will investigate. One in particular they ought to sign without giving it much thought.
Once upon a time, the New York Mets made a grave mistake (under previous ownership, with a different GM). Justin Turner was allowed to walk in free agency, and he went on to produce MVP-caliber seasons with the LA Dodgers. After leaving LA, Turner signed on with the Boston Red Sox – then declined his player option at the conclusion of the most recent season, making him a free agent.
The Mets have a need at third base. Eduardo Escobar was traded away after failing to impress with his bat, and prospect Brett Baty has failed to show he’s a competent big leaguer. Turner would fit that immediate need, and he’s consistently batted .275 or higher for 10 straight seasons. It would allow Jeff McNeil to either play second full time, or LF, and it would permit him staying in his versatile multi-position role. Turner is of course an option to DH as well (which he spent the bulk of 2023 doing with Boston), and could spell Alonso at 1B.
But perhaps most important, Turner is a winner. He helped the Dodgers develop a core that’s routinely sat atop the NL West, and he won a World Series with LA as well. Last year, despite failing to qualify for the playoffs with Boston, Turner batted .276 with a .345 OBP and 23 HR. That’s even though he dealt with a significant pitch-to-the-face injury during spring training.
This offseason, the Mets must consider ways to switch up the culture and inject some veteran leadership that drives the bus in the right direction. If the team’s underperformance wasn’t an identification of that, ex-Met Tommy Pham’s comments about the club’s lack of sterling work ethic should have raised eyebrows.
Turner, a former Mets player who knows well what it takes to play in New York City – all while now being a grizzled veteran – his addition could do wonders for the clubhouse. Plus, given he’s entering his age 39 season, a modest short term contract could get it done. Perhaps owner Steve Cohen just needs to make sure the number is a bit higher than what other teams will be offering
