“I texted and called every day for almost a month.”
‘All-Star 2-time’ veteran third baseman Justin Turner (39) left the LA Dodgers and transferred to the Boston Red Sox as a free agent, and Kike Hernandez (32)안전놀이터, a ‘all-around utility’, had a large stake. The two are close because of their relationship with the Dodgers for six years from 2015 to 2020.
Hernandez said on the 8th (Korean time) podcast ‘The Chris Rose Rotation’ that he worked hard to lead Turner to Boston. Turner agreed to a contract with Boston in mid-December of last year. On the 7th of last month, a formal contract was signed with a guarantee of 15 million dollars for 1 year and up to 21.7 million dollars for 2 years. An annual salary of $8.3 million in 2023 and an annual salary of $13.4 million in 2024 are conditional on a buyout amount of $6.7 million with a player option.
Hernandez, who was a member of the Dodgers World Series championship in 2020, transferred to Boston as a free agent the following year. It’s been several years since he left the Dodgers, but he hasn’t forgotten Turner’s influence. Turner is famous for his extraordinary leadership as much as his outstanding skills. He was highly trusted in the clubhouse as a spiritual pillar that united Dodgers players with strong personalities.
“We texted and called for almost a month,” said Hernandez. He kept calling Puerto Rico, Boston, LA and Indiana,” he said. “Kenri Jansen only needed a few text messages. “It was quick to get Jansen, but Turner was much more difficult.”
Prior to Turner, closer Jansen also signed a two-year free agent contract with Boston for $32 million. Jansen is also a player who has been with the Dodgers for 12 years from 2010 to 2021. He transferred as a free agent to the Atlanta Braves before the season last year, and moved back to Boston this time, reuniting with Turner and Hernandez.
Hernandez, who courted Turner and Jansen and contributed to the Boston contract, laughed and said, “I expect Haim Bloom to give me an incentive.” It will help transform our clubhouse. We have to show a different side of ourselves this year. We needed someone who could change not only the field but also the clubhouse culture. Turner is a man who can do it.”
In Boston, there are many players who played with Turner for the Dodgers, including Jansen and Hernandez, as well as outfielder Alex Verdugo and reliever Chris Martin. Turner also said in an interview after signing with Boston last month, “I am happy that many of my colleagues who played together have joined the Boston clubhouse. It is also exciting to be with a group with great potential. The goal is to win the World Series.”
Boston fell to 5th place in the American League East with a record of 78 wins and 84 losses last year. This year, attention is focusing on whether it will rebound thanks to the Turner effect.