3 cost-effective DH targets for Padres after Xander Bogaerts splurge

1. Justin Turner

After signing Bogaerts, insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post understands the Padres have a corner infielder next on their shopping list. That’s a bit of a head-scratcher given the surplus of infielders already on the roster, but Turner can knock out two birds with one stone as a career third baseman and DH candidate.

Approaching his age-38 season, Turner’s defense at the hot corner has worsened over the years. Like we said, though, he’s in his late 30s.

It was long speculated Turner would return to the Dodgers for 2023. Clearly saving money to bid on Shohei Ohtani next offseason, Los Angeles declined Turner’s $16 million club option in favor of a $2 million buyout. If San Diego is willing to sign the slugger to a one-year, $14 million contract, they should be all over it.

Though nearing the end of his career, Turner is still a vaunted bat, as he hit .278/.350/.438 with 13 home runs, 81 RBI and 36 doubles in 2022. He’d have ample protection in the Padres’ stacked lineup, and could rotate with lefty Jake Cronenworth in the No. 5 and 6 spot depending on the matchup.

The Diamondbacks, Marlins, and Dodgers are all interested in Turner, so his market is seemingly heating up. The Padres shouldn’t waste any time.

Projecting Padres’ stacked 2023 lineup after Xander Bogaerts signing

The Padres signed shortstop Xander Boagerts to an 11-year, $280 million contract. Here's a projection of San Diego's 2023 lineup with Bogaerts.