The Blue Jays are considering Justin Turner and Rhys Hoskins.
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays are considering Rhys Hoskins and Justin Turner as they assess their options at designated hitter. That’s a part of the front office’s wide net casting, as Nicholson-Smith also confirms previously reported connections to Joey Votto, Joc Pederson, and J.D. Martinez.
Brandon Belt is back on the open market, leaving Toronto with a DH vacancy. It would be great to add a left-handed bat to a lineup that already features George Springer, Bo Bichette, Vlad Guerrero Jr., and Danny Jansen, but Martinez’s interest suggests they’re not just interested in lefties. GM Ross Atkins has, after all, hinted at the possibility of adding multiple players to the lineup. The Jays could bring in a left-handed bat for the outfield and add a right-handed DH.
Hoskins tore his left knee’s ACL during spring training, which caused him to miss the 2023 season. As a pinch-hitter or designated hitter, he probably would have returned if the Phillies had won the World Series. Even though it didn’t work out, the 30-year-old—he turns 31 in March—projects himself as one of the better offensive players available. Throughout his career, Hoskins has established himself as a reliable middle-of-the-order player, amassing a line of.242/.353/.492. In the four complete seasons he has played, he has hit between 27 and 34 home runs while averaging better than average walk rates per year.
Turner has also been a reliable, powerful presence in the lineup. Since his Dodgers breakout season in 2014, he has not experienced a below-average offensive season. He is no longer fit for more than 140 starts at third base at the age of 39. However, with Matt Chapman still a free agent, Turner could be the Jays’ primary designated hitter while filling in at the hot corner. Turner remains more than capable of performing the duties of a primary DH. He just had an outstanding 23-homer,.276/.345/.455 performance for the Red Sox.
Neither player appears to be a top priority for the Toronto front office. According to Nicholson-Smith, the Jays may decide to hold off on making a move until later in the offseason if no one in a large group of hitters of interest shows exceptional value.
The Cubs, Mariners, and Nationals have reportedly expressed interest in Hoskins as well. It appears that the Red Sox, Mets, and Diamondbacks have been keeping an eye on Turner. Hoskins is expected to sign a standard one-year pillow contract, but MLBTR projected that he would sign a two-year, $36MM guarantee that would allow him to opt out after the 2020 season. Given his age, Turner seems more likely to sign for a one-year contract, but he could also demand a pay of $16–18MM.
