Purple Sox
The Miami Marlins reportedly believed they have been near a deal to amass Turner.
Justin Turner is blissful to nonetheless be with the Purple Sox following the commerce deadline, even when a commerce involving him may need nearly occurred.
The Purple Sox’ infielder and designated hitter was shocked to be taught of the report that the Miami Marlins believed they have been near buying him.
“Information to me,” Turner mentioned Friday, by way of The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier. “I don’t know anybody on this room knew the place we stood, what we have been going to do [as a deadline buyer or seller].”
Boston had ‘in depth talks’ with Miami forward of Tuesday’s deadline earlier than a possible deal fell via, main the Marlins to amass Josh Bell and Jake Burger as an alternative, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Levi Weaver reported. Although it was reported that Turner wouldn’t be moved just a few days previous to the deadline by WEEI’s Rob Bradford, the Purple Sox’ determination to take heed to provides was put by The Athletic as “the best way trendy entrance places of work function, gauging values of gamers, setting a bar for a return and customarily appearing if a possible commerce accomplice exceeds that commonplace.”
Turner was only one of some Purple Sox veterans rumored to presumably be traded previous to Tuesday, which he admitted prompted a little bit of uneasiness. Nevertheless, Turner sensed some happiness throughout the Purple Sox’ clubhouse that the group is sticking collectively as they’re 57-52 following Friday’s loss to the Blue Jays.
“It was a teeter-totter of emotion: ‘Are we going to get someone? However I hope we hold all people,’ ” Turner mentioned. “When the commerce deadline handed and everybody stayed, there was positively a sigh of aid. Possibly there’s some frustration we didn’t add anyone, however there’s some pleasure that we stored the blokes who might’ve been dealt.”
Now, the Purple Sox will attempt to push for a playoff spot after retaining their group collectively on the deadline. They’re three video games again of a playoff spot coming into Saturday.
However past that, Turner’s future in Boston is unclear. The 38-year-old has a $13.4 million participant choice for the 2024 season that might flip right into a $6.7 million buyout if he opts out.
As Turner mentioned, “I’ve beloved each second” of his time in Boston up to now, he hasn’t given a lot thought to what he’ll do with that choice.
“I’m not likely anxious about no matter occurs within the offseason,” Turner mentioned. “I’m anxious about being right here, being a part of the Purple Sox proper now. That’s all I actually care about.”
Turner might be in-line for an additional strong payday this offseason together with his efficiency on the plate this 12 months. He’s hitting .286 with a .837 OPS to associate with 17 homers and 71 RBIs. He’s additionally improved in every month he’s been with the Purple Sox, seeing his batting common, OPS, and RBIs enhance every month.
As well as, Turner has been seen as a essential presence within the Purple Sox’ clubhouse. He was the Purple Sox’ recipient of the 2023 Coronary heart and Hustle Award and was acknowledged for his achievement previous to Friday’s Purple Sox sport. The award is voted on by the Main League Baseball Gamers Alumni Affiliation and is given to the participant who demonstrates “a ardour for the sport of baseball and finest embody the values, spirit and traditions of the sport.”
“It’s an honor,” Turner instructed NESN’s Tom Caron. “Clearly, coming over right here in my first 12 months with a brand new group and attempting to make a superb impression. I’ve mentioned it many occasions, you don’t simply present up and get respect. You’ve obtained to earn it.
“So, I really feel like I’m doing my finest to make everybody within the Metropolis of Boston proud, with the [jersey No.] 2 on my again representing RemDog (Jerry Remy) as nicely.”
Turner hasn’t performed within the first few video games of August, lacking time as he offers with a left heel contusion.
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