Morning Sports Update

Red Sox reportedly showing ‘interest’ in bringing back Justin Turner

Turner played in Boston during the 2023 season.

Justin Turner Red Sox
Justin Turner during his time with the Red Sox in 2023. Gaelen Morse/Getty Images

By Hayden Bird

3 minutes to read

The latest Red Sox report: While Red Sox pitchers and catchers are set to report to spring training on Tuesday (the team’s first workout is set for Wednesday), the front office continues to try to make additional acquisitions.

While much of the attention has been focused on the reported pursuit of former Astros infielder Alex Bregman, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted Monday that a more familiar name might be on Boston’s list as well: Justin Turner.

Turner, now 40, is currently a free agent after spending the 2024 season with the Blue Jays and Mariners. Prior to that, he played for the Red Sox in 2023, hitting .276 with 23 home runs and 96 RBIs.

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“The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers have also expressed varying levels of interest in both Turner and Bregman,” Rosenthal wrote after underlining the Cubs’ central interest in Turner.

“The Red Sox, though, have Triston Casas at first base, Rafael Devers at third base and Masataka Yoshida as their designated hitter,” he added, pointing that Boston may not have regular room for Turner on the roster.

Bregman, meanwhile, remains the more sought-after option. The Red Sox are reportedly one of three MLB finalists to sign the 30-year-old third baseman.

Trivia: Justin Turner was the NLCS MVP in 2017 for the Dodgers. Who was the ALCS MVP that year?

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(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: The 2006 American League Rookie of the Year, he’s also one of only two pitchers to win the MVP award in the 21st century (not counting Shohei Ohtani).

Scores and schedules:

The Celtics’ defense clamped down during a 103-85 win over the Heat on Monday night. Boston will be back in action on Wednesday night at TD Garden against the Spurs at 7 p.m.

Boston University upset Boston College in a 4-1 win to claim the men’s Beanpot title on Monday night. Harvard defeated Northeastern earlier in the day 4-2 in the third place game.

On Wednesday, the Boston Fleet will be in New York to play the Sirens at 7 p.m.

Also tomorrow, the 4 Nations Face-Off (a hockey tournament between the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland) gets underway with Canada vs. Sweden at 8 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

A long-distance empty-netter: BU’s Gavin McCarthy sealed the Beanpot for the Terriers with a well-placed empty-net goal later in the third period.

Postgame Tatum: The Celtics star was asked about the recent blockbuster Lakers-Mavericks trade, among other subjects.

On this day: In 1971, the Bruins held off the Blues 5-3 thanks to Ed Westfall’s second career hat-trick. Elsewhere, former boxing champion Johnny Coulon was pictured with his wife, Maria, celebrating his 84th birthday. And sports columnist Francis Rosa made an erroneous prediction that sports dynasties were a thing of the past.

Boston Globe Sports Bruins 1971

Daily highlight: Nikola Jokic continues to defy what was previously considered possible for an NBA center.

Trivia answer: Justin Verlander

Hayden Bird

Sports Staff

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.

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