The San Francisco Giants were among the top contenders for Paul Goldschmidt in free agency, but the veteran first baseman has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Yankees. With one of their key targets off the market, the Giants may need to pivot, and FanSided’s Zachary Rotman has suggested an intriguing alternative: signing free agent Justin Turner.
Turner, who spent nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, could provide the Giants with a valuable platoon option at first base. Rotman notes that while LaMonte Wade Jr. struggled with power last season, he maintained a strong .380 OBP in 117 games. Wade has a career OPS of .790 against right-handed pitching but has struggled significantly against lefties, with a .564 OPS.
“Keeping Wade in the lineup against righties and finding an upgrade over Wilmer Flores, who had a tough 2024 season, to face lefties makes sense,” Rotman wrote. “Justin Turner could fill that role effectively.”
While Turner wouldn’t be a splashy addition, his strong career numbers against left-handed pitching make him a practical and cost-effective solution for the Giants. With the team likely to pursue Corbin Burnes in free agency—a move that could cost over $200 million—budget-friendly options like Turner might be a priority.
Turner’s consistent performance against lefties, even in the later stages of his career, makes him a solid candidate for a platoon role, especially given Wade’s struggles in that area. Adding Turner could strengthen the Giants’ lineup without jeopardizing their financial flexibility.
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