MLB Rumors: Justin Turner open to returning to Red Sox
Even though the Boston Red Sox won't be playing October baseball, they might've made one of the best offseason additions for the 2023 season when they inked Justin Turner to a one-year deal.
That one-year deal, however, is a creative one. There's an option for the 2024 season with Boston worth $13.4 million, but with only a $6.7 million buyout. As such, the expectation has been that Turner won't be returning to the Red Sox -- especially with how well he's played with the Red Sox this season.
On that contract, that's likely true. But Turner was asked about his future recently and, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, a return to Boston isn't out of the question. In fact, it's something the 38-year-old would welcome.
"I'm not even there yet. That's for after the season and we'll figure it out when that comes," Turner said. "I love playing in Boston and I've had a great experience here so obviously, it would be fantastic if I was still here."
The complications with Turner's return, however, are quite obvious. For one, the price for what will be a 39-year-old veteran is going to go up. On top of that, it seems as if the Red Sox would prefer to keep Masataka Yoshida as a primary DH rather than an everyday outfielder. Furthermore, if Boston does get involved on Shohei Ohtani, that further complicates the DH situation.
With all of that being said, it'd be hard not to heavily consider bringing back Turner given that he's posted an .812 OPS with 23 home runs and 95 RBI this season. What the Red Sox do in this situation will be one of the first major tests for whoever replaces Chaim Bloom in Boston.
MLB Rumors: Cardinals shut down Nolan Arenado, leaving some questions
It's been a lost season for the St. Louis Cardinals almost since the jump. But if there was a way to really put a rotten cherry on top of 2023 for the Redbirds, it happened coming into this weekend.
On Friday, the Cardinals placed All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado on the IL, the veteran's first stint since 2020, effectively ending his 2023 season, as reported by Katie Woo of The Athletic. Woo also noted that, with Arenado ending the season at 26 home runs and 93 RBI, it's the first time since 2014 he hasn't recorded 30 bombs and 100 RBI in a single season.
Talk about an emblematic stat for the Cardinals this year.
However, with St. Louis' struggles this season, Arenado's name was thrown around often at the MLB Trade Deadline. Now as his season ends and with the Cardinals entering a pressure-cooker of an offseason where they must retool the roster, some have wondered what Arenado's future with the franchise will be.
Frankly, though, there's not much to see here. If the Cardinals were going to trade Arenado, it would've been done at the deadline. John Mozeliak and the front office have been adamant that they want to compete and contend in the 2024 season. That plan includes Arenado and an aggressive approach to free agency and in trades. Those trades, however, won't include Arenado -- or at least they won't if logic ultimately prevails.
MLB Rumors: Could Yankees trade for Juan Soto this offseason?
It's truly impossible to say what's next for the New York Yankees. After winning the Aaron Judge sweepstakes this offseason while also adding the likes of Carlos Rodon, there were big expectations in the Bronx for the 2023 season. It hasn't played out like that, however.
Though the Yankees aren't mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, they are the longest of shots to make it into the MLB postseason. That has drawn plenty of criticism against manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman, though it does not appear either is going anywhere this offseason.
So the task then becomes improving the roster and getting the Yankees back to being contenders. Juan Soto might help with that.
With the small-market, big-spending Padres about to enter a contract year with Soto in 2024, there has been speculation that failed extension talks could lead to a trade. As such, former MLB All-Star and MLB Network analyst Cliff Floyd was asked about the best landing spots for the young superstar. No. 1 on his list was, of course, the New York Yankees.
On one hand, you understand immediately why Soto in New York would be a great fit. Much like (a healthy) Anthony Rizzo, the lefty could be lethal with the home run funnel in right field. On top of that, giving Soto the protection of Aaron Judge, Rizzo and, assuming he can bounce back, Giancarlo Stanton could be even better for the young star.
The flip side, however, is that the Yankees are unsure about Stanton, who is basically a DH-only at this point, and the potential need for Soto to eventually move to the DH. On top of that, Soto has played primarily in right field when not at the DH, which obviously conflicts with Judge's position on defense.
Even still, the Yankees adding another superstar bat could conceivably create a special, special lineup. Moreover, New York has the assets to make that type of deal happen. The only question is if Cashman, assuming he's still around, is aggressive enough to make that move.
