Ranking every relevant Blue Jays offseason signing (so far)

How have the Jays done with their signings of free agents this offseason?

Wild Card Series - Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins - Game One
Wild Card Series - Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins - Game One | David Berding/GettyImages
6 of 6

1. Justin Turner

As if there was any doubt, the top spot goes to the lone power bat the Jays were able to land this offseason in veteran Justin Turner. Since the club struggled with offense and timely hits for much of 2023, Turner will provide a strong remedy for that this season. After all, he has proven to be a solid contact hitter with consistent run production throughout his career. On average, Turner can be counted upon for 20 home runs and 80 RBI of production, along with a batting average close to .290 and OPS above .800 each season. In addition, he brings with him his wealth of postseason experience, including winning it all with the Dodgers back in 2020. As a clubhouse leader, he can show the younger Jays how to get it done.

More significantly, he still put up one of his best seasons of his career in 2023 at the ripe age of 38. With the struggling Red Sox, Turner compiled a .276 batting average, .800 OPS, 114 OPS+, along with 86 runs scored, 31 doubles, 23 home runs and 96 RBI. On top of that, guess what his numbers were with runners in scoring position? Turner batted a stellar .338 with a .943 OPS, 9 home runs and 77 RBI with RISP. He was even more clutch under the same situation with two outs, posting a .333 average, 1.002 OPS with 25 runs scored, 3 home runs and 26 RBI in just 51 at-bats. There’s no doubt if the Jays had him in the heart of their daily lineup last season, they certainly would have gotten farther than they did.

There’s only two things of concern for Turner in 2024. One is despite his strong offensive production, his defense has been on the decline the past few seasons, which was why he had been relegated more to DH duties as a result. Other than first base, where he managed to post respectable numbers last year with 3 DRS and a .989 fielding percentage, it’s of the Jays’ best interest to keep him off the field as much as they can to maximize their chances at winning. The second thing is hopefully he still has plenty of game left in him as he enters the 2024 season at the glorified age of 39. But seeing how David Ortiz and Nelson Cruz continued to produce into their 40s, hopefully Turner will be able to follow suit and lead the Jays to much success.

Schedule