MLB Rumors: Braves-Sonny Gray surprise, Cardinals underwhelm, Red Sox Turner pivots

MLB Rumors: Red Sox could replace Justin Turner with Rhys Hoskins, J.D. Martinez

Not much fanfare was given to the Boston Red Sox signing Justin Turner last offseason. But even though the club as a whole disappointed, the veteran former Dodgers was an absolute stud at the plate at Fenway Park (and on the road to, but you get it).

However, Turner elected to opt-out of 2024 with the Red Sox as he had a player option for the second season on the contract and it seems as if he won't be returning to Boston. As such, after the Red Sox address their pitching woes, adding a right-handed bat -- hopefully with some power -- is another priority for Craig Breslow.

Luckily for the Red Sox, it appears that there are a bevy of options with some pretty big names being linked to Boston already.

Obviously, landing Shohei Ohtani could be the answer to this as the Red Sox are expected to be in on him. However, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com offered three other veterans who could also provide that pop from the right side: Rhys Hoskins, Jorge Soler and a familiar face in J.D. Martinez.

While Smith unpacked the prospects for Turner returning and guys like Jeimer Candelario, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and several others, the trio of Hoskins, Soler and Martinez might make the most sense. All three will be in demand, but not break-the-bank type of demand. The trio has all also proven the ability to hit for power and, while that may come with strikeouts, they have all also shown the ability to provide a high on-base rate as well.

How Breslow handles his first offseason will be fascinating and, while most will be looking at the rotation and what he does to address that, how he handles replacing Turner should also be of keen interest. Any of these connected players, though, would be more than suitable.