The Blue Jays are among those clubs showing interest in Justin Turner, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman (via Twitter). The Blue Jays are kicking the tires on just about every top free agent available in an effort to supercharge their rebuild and turn their playoff team from 2020 into a legitimate contender the American League East.
As of now, the Jays have been linked to Brad Hand, Liam Hendriks, Ha-Seong Kim, Mike Fiers, Marcell Ozuna, DJ LeMahieu, Kolten Wong, George Springer, Garrett Richards, J.T. Realmuto, Michael Brantley, J.A. Happ,and Kevin Gausman before he accepted his qualifying offer. They’ve also been linked to Francisco Lindor, Steven Matz, and Jean Segura via trade. I’m sure there are there are others I’ve missed. Point being, Toronto is active in free agency.
Turner brings a little more intrigue because of the fit at a wide open third base position in Toronto. The Blue Jays recently non-tendered incumbent Travis Shaw, and while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has expressed an interest to claim the position for himself, it makes as much sense to find a replacement outside the organization for the hot corner if there’s a viable solution. Turner would certainly qualify. Of course, Heyman notes that there are multiple teams expressing interest in Turner at the present.