Blue Jays continue moving players, trade Justin Turner with deadline nearing

For the first time in his professional career, Justin Turner has been involved in a trade deadline deal. The 16-year veteran was pulled by the Blue Jays mid-game and news broke minutes later than he was traded to the Seattle Mariners (H/T to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic).

According to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, outfield prospect RJ Schreck is heading back to the Blue Jays in the swap. It sounds like it's a one-for-one deal.

Turner, 39, is the oldest active position player and has been a respectable corner infield/designated hitter option for the Blue Jays this season. He broke out of the gate swinging a red-hot stick, hitting four home runs with 15 RBI and a .298 batting average in his first 29 games, but came crashing down to earth as the first-half rolled on.

After a silent month of May in which he hit .111 in 21 games, Turner rebounded with a .333 average and .914 OPS in 22 June games. That brought his season's numbers up a bit, as he had a 106 OPS+ (six percent above league-average) entering Monday's doubleheader against the Orioles.

Blue Jays trade Justin Turner to the Seattle Mariners

The Mariners have been one of baseball's most active teams as the trade deadline nears. In fact, this is the second time they've already dealt with the Blue Jays, as they only just recently landed Yimi Garcia in exchange for outfielder Jonatan Clase and catcher Jacob Sharp.

In a separate move, Mariners GM also acquired Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena. There is nothing to suggest that he's done making moves, either.

Schreck, 24, was a ninth-round selection by the Mariners in the 2023 MLB Draft. He swings the bat from the left side and is capable of lining up at all three spots in the outfield. This year, he has spent the majority of his time in High-A Everett, where he recorded 32 extra-base hits with 44 RBI in 78 games. Schreck also had an .865 OPS while walking more times (57) than he struck out (47).