3 Boston Red Sox who won’t survive the trade deadline and why

Red Sox who could be traded: Justin Turner

The Red Sox signed Justin Turner as a JD Martinez replacement of sorts, and he has delivered and then some. Turner plays almost exclusively designated hitter. At the dish, he’s been one of the most productive players in Boston’s lineup, slashing .263/.361/.400. Sure, he’s no Martinez, but Turner is a capable bat in the lineup for just about any contender should the Sox fall out of the Wild Card race.

Could a return to Los Angeles be in order? While Martinez did switch spots with Turner, he can still play a decent third and first base if called upon. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Turner hinted at missing LA, and even questioning why the organization let him leave in the first place.

“I have no idea,” Turner said when asked why he wasn’t a Dodger for his 15th major league season. “No idea. That’s not a question for me to answer because other than being extremely happy with where I am and loving all these guys and being a part of it, like, the honest truth is I did not see myself ever playing for another organization for the rest of my career. And that’s just the truth.”

The Dodgers viewed Martinez as an upgrade, and took their shot. Turner, nonetheless, does bleed Dodger blue, even if his beard often blends in with the Sox uniforms.

“I never pictured myself wearing another uniform,” Turner said. “And when my option was declined, I made that clear to multiple people. …There [were] multiple people that I told, ‘Hey, I want to come back. I want to get this done as fast as possible. Let’s not beat around the bush. Let’s not drag this thing out. This is where I want to be.’”

The fit in Boston has worked out for Turner so far, but considering his player option for 2024, the Sox might be smart to shop him while they can get something in return for him.