Justin Turner is a rare player in that he has played better as he has aged. Turner has been the Toronto Blue Jays’ offensive spark. His most impressive game, in which he recorded 4 RBIs alone, was against the Tampa Bay Rays on March 31st. He also had an effective game against the Astros on April 2nd. He reached base four times, showcasing his ability to hustle at the plate.
Justin Turner has been lighting it UP at the dish for the #Bluejays so far
Through 8 games Turner only has 4 strikeouts, which is the same number of rbi’s, runs scored, and doubles he currently has 🔥
Great signing by the Jays pic.twitter.com/ZWrZOKDmdC
— Blue Jays Today (@TodayJays) April 6, 2024
Turner played at a better level when he was in his 30s than when he was in his 20s. In the game against the Houston Astros on April 2nd, he recorded three hits, a walk last season, and a career-high in RBIS (96) with the Boston Red Sox. When Justin Turner signed with the Red Sox, there was concern about his level of offense with his age, but his age doesn’t seem to matter or interfere with his game.
You could say that he is most definitely a rare player. From 2015 to 2016, his RBI production was a big difference. He went from recording 60 RBIs to 90. However, he also had 25 more games played in 2016. Turner was a great signing that the Blue Jays acquired in the offseason. With not having had a lot of strikeouts so far this season, he has certainly been one of the most impressive Blue Jays so far. He also doesn’t strike out a lot, which is a good asset as a hitter.
Justin Turner and the Toronto Blue Jays Offense
Justin Turner walks .. 1st & 2nd, nobody out#BlueJays 3 #Yankees 9 🔼7th pic.twitter.com/EgXqkkVYyl
— Sᴘᴏʀᴛs 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) April 7, 2024
Turner has certainly stood out in terms of Blue Jay’s offense and continues to be the rare veteran player for the Toronto Blue Jays. Turner also picked up his 5th RBI of the season on Saturday evening against the Bronx Bombers. He scored on a Sacrifice Fly. Justin Turner also got on base in the seventh inning of the game with a walk and hit a single in the top of the ninth inning. The Blue Jays came alive offensively and produced some runs late in the game to try to keep up with the Yankees’ offense. They were threatening offensively in the ninth inning. It certainly made the game interesting.
Furthermore, Turner continues getting on base and scoring runs for the Blue Jays. This is why the Blue Jays signed him: he effectively gets on base. He is certainly an exceptional player at his age. While Justin Turner is a strong asset to the team, the Blue Jays have many offensive players, and they can’t rely solely on Turner to produce. It makes a difference when all the Blue Jays offensive guys step up together. While Turner has certainly been a great addition to the lineup, we are still waiting for the Blue Jays bats to come alive consistently. When all their bats come together, they look impressive, and this was represented late in the game on Saturday evening against the Yankees. The Blue Jays fought back, which you have to admire, but they came short by one run, and while they made a great comeback, it wasn’t enough. It was nice to see all the Blue Jays players contribute with Turner, which can sometimes be rare for the Blue Jays.
Go, Turner, Go!
Congratulations to Justin Turner on continuing to produce and get on base for the Blue Jays. He is doing his part as the veteran for the Blue Jays. Teams like the Yankees certainly have an edge over the Blue Jays, but the Blue Jays did shut out the Yankees at their home opener for the first time since 1967. The series has showcased a back-and-forth with offense from both teams. Overall, Justin Turner has a nice swing, puts the ball in play, and gets on base. At the end of the day, this is why the Blue Jays acquired him, and this was seen against the Yankees. He can continue to be successful offensively; it will certainly help the Blue Jays. His hustle was present in the game against the Yankees on Saturday evening. He is undoubtedly a rare player who still plays like he is in his early 30s. At 39 years old, Turner continues to be successful consistently in games this season.
