Justin Turner Declines $13.4M Option, Corey Kluber Released by Red Sox
In a surprising move, Justin Turner has declined his $13.4 million player option with the Boston Red Sox, making him a free agent. The Red Sox, in turn, have decided not to pick up their $11 million option on right-hander Corey Kluber, also releasing him into free agency.
Turner, a seasoned veteran at 38 years old, joined the Red Sox in January on a contract worth $16 million, including performance bonuses. While primarily serving as a designated hitter, he also displayed versatility by playing first, second, and third base. In his one season with the Red Sox, Turner showcased his abilities, hitting .276 with 23 home runs and 96 RBIs. Over his 15-year major league career, which included stints with the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and now the Red Sox, Turner has maintained an impressive batting average of .288, with 187 home runs and 759 RBIs. A two-time All-Star, his contribution to any team shouldn’t be underestimated.
Meanwhile, Corey Kluber’s time with the Red Sox proved to be less successful. The 37-year-old pitcher struggled with a 7.04 ERA in nine starts and six relief appearances during his one-year deal with the team. Despite serving as Boston’s opening day starter, Kluber was eventually dropped from the rotation due to a decline in performance and right shoulder inflammation. His last appearance in a big league game was on June 20. Kluber, a three-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young Award winner, has accumulated an impressive record of 116 wins and 77 losses, with a career ERA of 3.44. While his time with the Red Sox was disappointing, there’s no denying his potential if he can regain his form.
Both Turner and Kluber have now become attractive options for teams looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the upcoming season. With their experience and track records, it’s likely that they will receive interest from multiple suitors in the free agency market.
The Red Sox will move forward without Turner and Kluber, reassessing their options and looking to make alternative moves to strengthen their team. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see which teams pursue Turner and Kluber, and how their career paths unfold. Stay tuned for more updates on these developments as they emerge.
In conclusion, Justin Turner has declined his option with the Red Sox, becoming a free agent, while Corey Kluber has been released by the team. Both players now face opportunities to join new clubs as they seek to continue their professional baseball journeys.
