Breaking: Blue Jays Land Veteran Free Agent Bat

The Toronto Blue Jays have made their decision on adding a free agent bat to the lineup, signing a true professional hitter, veteran and former Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox third baseman Justin Turner.

Source: Justin Turner's 1-year deal with Toronto has a $13 million base salary with $1.5 million in roster and performance bonuses. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 30, 2024

It's a one-year deal for the 15-year veteran, worth $13 million, according to insider Jon Morosi, with $1.5 million in additional performance bonuses.

Morosi adds that his information indicates that Turner is expected to be the everyday DH. That would rule out any further talks to bring in free agent Jorge Soler. 

In addition, Turner can obviously still play some third base, which also seems to eliminate any thoughts about Toronto bringing back Matt Chapman. He can also play some first to spell Vladimir Guerrero on occasion, and heck, he even contributed 10 games at second base last season in Boston.

Turner is going into his age-39 season, but he batted .276 with an .800 OPS, with 23 homers and 96 RBIs for the Red Sox last season in 146 games. And despite his advanced age, he has been consistently durable, and was an All-Star with the Dodgers as recently as 2021. 

One thing you can say is that he's a huge step up from Brandon Belt, the questionable veteran bat signing the Jays brought in last year. 

Turner has also won a World Series with the Dodgers, and brings a much-needed leadership presence to a Jays team that's looking to finally break through in the postseason.

In his 15-year career, he's batted .288 with an .829 OPS and an OPS+ of 125. 

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports