The Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins each had a relatively quiet MLB trade deadline, only making small additions amid their efforts to surge up the MLB standings. However, both clubs reportedly had talks that nearly led to a blockbuster deal.
In the hours leading up to the trade deadline, Boston was squarely in the market for controllable starting pitching. It didn’t just want to acquire a starter who would fill a void in the rotation for the remainder of the 2023 season and then leave in free agency. Chaim Bloom targeted starting pitchers with multiple years of contractual control, players who could be long-term contributors in Boston.
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However, the Red Sox don’t have one of the top farm systems in MLB. As a result, they had to shop several of their everyday hitters to teams with a surplus of pitching. After shopping outfielder Alex Verdugo, Boston nearly found a home for another one of its top hitters in the minutes before the deadline.
- Justin Turner stats (2023): .286/.356/.481, .837 OPS, 17 home runs, 71 RBI
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Red Sox had “extensive talks” on a trade that would’ve sent Justin Turner to Miami. The Marlins reportedly felt pretty confident they were close to acquiring the All-Star hitter, but the deal fell through for undisclosed reasons.
It would’ve been a bit of a drastic move for the Red Sox. Not only is Turner well-liked in the clubhouse, with a trade risking team chemistry in a playoff race, but he has also been one of Boston’s best hitters. Turner ranks second on the team in wRC+ (126), places second in RBI (71), is third in slugging (.481) and leads the Red Sox in runs scored (66).
- Justin Turner contract: $8.3 million base salary in 2023, $13.4 million player option for 2024
However, Bloom considered trading Turner because of Miami’s wealth of pitching combined with its desire for a middle-of-the-order hitter. While terms of the deal Miami and Boston discussed weren’t disclosed, the belief is that a starting pitcher with multiple years of contract control would’ve joined the Red Sox.
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Instead, the deal fell apart and the Marlins pivoted to Josh Bell. Meanwhile, Turner remains with Boston and can decide his future this winter with a $13.4 million club option. Based on his performance this year, Turner will likely become a free agent and cash in on a more lucrative contract entering his age-39 season.