Justin Turner reveals who Red Sox fans should thank for his signing in Boston

New Red Sox signee Justin Turner said former Dodgers teammate Kiké Hernández was a big part of him deciding to sign with Boston as a free agent.

Kiké Hernández and Justin Turner spent six years together in Los Angeles as teammates with the Dodgers.

That relationship just helped the Red Sox sign their new veteran DH.

Turner finalized his one-year deal with Boston on Friday. During his introductory press conference, he highlighted Hernández as part of the reason picked the Red Sox.

Justin Turner says Kiké Hernández was “front and center” for Red Sox recruiting

Hernández supplied even more evidence of their connection when he tweeted a celebration of Turner’s signing, telling Dodgers fans that Turner is “in good hands.”

https://twitter.com/kikehndez/status/1611454449754439681

Later, he responded to the tweet about his involvement in Turner’s recruitment with all the love possible for his former Dodgers and now Red Sox teammate.

“Only one teammate has had a bigger impact in my career than this man!” Hernández wrote “His path and his career are one of my biggest inspirations!”

The Red Sox made the connection the subject of another tweet as well.

Turner spent much of the 2022 season serving as a DH and third baseman for the Dodgers. However, he said he expects to spend a lot more time as the former than the latter while in Boston. Now that the Red Sox have extended Rafael Devers with a new 11-year deal, the need for Turner at third base is minimal.

At 38 years old, it makes sense for Turner to transition to DH full-time. He could also fill in at first base as needed.

There will be more familiar faces in Boston than just Hernández for Turner. He’s also reuniting with former LA teammates Kenley Jansen and Alex Verdugo.