This offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays made a notable move by signing Justin Turner to a one-year, $13 million contract. Turner, who previously played for the Boston Red Sox in 2023 and had a successful stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, brings his skills to the AL East once again.
Turner may not fit the mold of a traditional star player, but he is considered a professional hitter. His consistency at the plate has earned him a reputation as one of the game's most reliable hitters. While he may not have reached the milestone of scoring or knocking in 100 runs in a season, his .300 AVG-.400 OBP-.500 SLG club membership speaks volumes about his abilities. Turner has achieved these milestones multiple times and even accomplished them all in the same season.
Interestingly, Turner's journey to becoming an established player was not a smooth one. Considered a late-bloomer, he was initially overlooked by his first employers. However, his reliable hitting and performance in the minor leagues eventually caught the attention of the New York Mets, who gave him a true opportunity to play in 2010. It wasn't until 2014 when he became the Dodgers' third baseman and hit an impressive .340 that he solidified his place as a regular starter.
Currently, Turner ranks among the career leaders in various categories. His .288 batting average places him 15th, while his 1461 hits rank 18th. Additionally, his .363 OBP puts him at the 19th spot, his 323 doubles at 22nd, and his 36.5 Fangraphs WAR at 25th. These achievements are all the more impressive considering that Turner didn't start accumulating these numbers until he was 26 years old and didn't secure a regular starting role until he was 29. While he may not be a future Hall of Famer, his contributions to the game will certainly earn him a spot on a Hall of Fame ballot someday.
So, what sets Turner apart as a professional hitter? The ability to maintain a relatively low strikeout rate and consistently hit line drives is crucial. Turner has excelled in both areas throughout his career. Since 2017, his seasonal strikeout rates have consistently been lower than the league average, demonstrating his ability to make contact. Additionally, his line drive rate has remained above the league average every season. In fact, in three of the last five seasons, Turner's line drive rate has been over a full standard deviation better than the league average.
To enhance his hitting even further, Turner embraced the 'launch angle' approach. While focusing on lifting and pulling the ball too much can be detrimental to hitters, Turner managed to increase his fly ball volume without negatively impacting his strikeout or pop-up rates. He achieved this by maintaining consistent launch angles, as evidenced by his low standard deviations in recent years.
What's remarkable about Turner is that he seems to defy the laws of aging. His ability to consistently put the ball in play and hit it at favorable launch angles has allowed him to remain productive even as he enters his late 30s. Though there has been a slight decline in his performance in recent years, Turner is far from finished. At 39 years old, don't be surprised if he signs another one-year deal in the future and continues to contribute to a team's success.
In summary, Justin Turner's signing with the Toronto Blue Jays adds an experienced and consistent professional hitter to their lineup. His ability to make contact, hit line drives, and adapt to the launch angle approach has contributed to his success throughout his career. While Turner may not have garnered the attention of a superstar, his impressive rankings among career leaders and his consistent performances make him a valuable asset to any team.
