If any player has mainly stood out in Spring Training, it is Justin Turner.. Turner recorded his first home run as a Blue Jay on March 13th. He helped put the Blue Jays on the board and provided them with a 3-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was also one of the highest homers anyone has ever seen. People are also describing it as a moonshot. Having hitters such as Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting ahead of Turner in the lineup allows Turner to capitalize. Hitting in the clean-up spot has permitted Turner to develop some key runs for the Blue Jays. This is the reason the Blue Jays signed Turner; they needed a slugger who was going to do damage in the lineup.
Justin Turner just hit one of the highest home runs you'll ever see.
Eventually, this landed over the left-field fence for his 1st with the #BlueJays: pic.twitter.com/dl5AsJ8s1L
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 13, 2024
Justin Turner Showcasing His Worth In Spring Training
Vital and Idol
Justin Turner with RISP:
2014 — 1.028 OPS, 192 wRC+
2015 — .959 OPS, 162 wRC+
2016 — .933 OPS, 143 wRC+
2017 — .902 OPS, 137 wRC+
2018 — .801 OPS, 114 wRC+
2019 — .815 OPS, 112 wRC+
2020 — .975 OPS, 159 wRC+
2021 — .837 OPS, 124 wRC+
2022 — 1.007 OPS, 176 wRC+
2023 — .943 OPS,… pic.twitter.com/YSdUcVAJt1— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) March 12, 2024
Fans are hoping to see more home runs and extra base hits from Turner in the regular season. Turner has been known to do a lot of damage with RISP and this has been an area where the Blue Jays have struggled with over the past many seasons. Since 2014 Turner has put up excellent OPS numbers and posts a career .893 OPS. Turner is exactly what the Blue Jays need to transform their 2024 season. The Blue Jays offense still needs some fine tuning, but Justin Turner will without question help fix last season’s struggles with RISP. The Blue Jays need consistency and with RISP Turner has without doubt been consistent. Turner has played over 1000 games in his career and in 2024 him, George Springer and Chris Bassitt will reach big milestones. Springer will hit his 250th home run, Turner his 200th and Bassitt will reach 1000 innings pitched.
That’s A Wrap!
"What a hitter!"
Vladdy's liking what he sees from Justin Turner. 🤩
📽️: @thehazelmae pic.twitter.com/QVRnO9kmUo
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 26, 2024
If Turner could add this title to his resume, it would suitably fit him perfectly. Certified run producer is what Turner is and it will be exciting to watch him hit more moonshots during the regular season. Turner is also a solid addition to the Blue Jays because he is a strong backup for first base behind Vladdy. At 39 years old, Turner is still going strong, and he is on a roll. Congratulations to Turner and for the Blue Jays winning their last three games in Spring Training. Opening Day is only a couple weeks away and everyone is waiting to see what players are making the roster and who will be starting on Opening Day.
Main Photo Credits: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
