Red Sox veteran Turner declines player option to explore free agency

Boston Red Sox veteran infielder Justin Turner declined his $13.4-million player option for 2024, the team announced Friday.

The team will instead pay Turner a $6.7-million buyout.

Turner, 38, returns to free agency one year after joining Boston on a $22-million contract after nine years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He enjoyed a solid season for the Red Sox as one of their most consistent hitters during an up-and-down year, hitting .276/.345/.455 with 23 homers and 96 RBIs.

There should be a solid market for Turner, who'll rank among the best available veteran bats at both the corner infield and designated hitter spots. Though he primarily served as a DH in 2023, Turner did play three infield positions spread across 58 games. He tallied three defensive runs saved in 41 contests at first base despite not having played the position since 2016.

A two-time All-Star, Turner owns a lifetime .829 OPS with 1,461 hits, 187 homers, and 759 RBIs across parts of 15 seasons with four teams.

The Red Sox also announced that they declined an $11-million club option on two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber. The 37-year-old endured a difficult campaign in Boston, posting a career-worst 7.04 ERA in only 15 appearances (nine starts) while battling shoulder issues for most of the year.