Justin Turner calls Mariners’ offseason ‘a head-scratcher for me’

Mar 5, 2025, 11:23 AM

Seattle Sports

The Seattle Mariners’ spending this offseason has been a source of contention, especially in the fan base.

It also caught the attention of a former member of the team who is perplexed why the M’s didn’t add more impactful offensive pieces to support their stellar starting rotation.

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In an article from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale published Wednesday morning, ex-Mariners first baseman Justin Turner shared some strong statements about Seattle’s offseason.

“The fact that they missed the playoffs by one game, and didn’t go out and add an impact bat or two when you have the best pitching staff in baseball just seems absurd to me,” Turner said.

The Mariners acquired Turner before the trade deadline from Toronto last July in a deal that sent minor league outfielder RJ Schreck to the Blue Jays. After joining the M’s, Turner slashed .264/.363/.404 with seven doubles, five home runs and 24 RBIs, providing the team with much-needed production in the middle of the order.

Turner’s production was far from the only impact he had on the then-struggling team, though. His veteran leadership was touted by players and coaches, and he had a significant influence helping hitters on a day-to-day basis with his unique perspective as a 39 year old in his 16th big league season.

Nightengale reported Turner “badly” wanted to return to Seattle after his two months in the Pacific Northwest, but was waiting for a respectable offer from the team. He ended up signing a one-year, $6 million deal with the Chicago Cubs about a month after the Mariners signed veteran Donovan Solano, who could be viewed as Turner’s replacement, to a one-year, $3.5 million deal.

“Honestly, as much as I wanted to be back there,” Turner said, “if I was the only piece they brought back in, I would be saying the same thing: What the (heck) are we doing? Are you trying?”

“There’s not going to a better time to go for it. So, I don’t know what they’re doing. I’m very confused. It’s a head-scratcher for me.”

Turner mentioned the Mariners not making a strong push for slugging free agent first baseman Pete Alonso as a peculiar decision. Alonso eventually re-signed with the New York Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal.

“I thought Alonso was a slam-dunk,” Turner said. “How can you not go after him? You kidding me?”

Other side of the coin from Turner

While much of what Turner voiced was frustration with the Mariners’ lack of committing to significant offensive upgrades, he had praise for the job manager Dan Wilson did after taking over the team last August. Seattle went 21-13 with Wilson at the helm over its final 34 games, a stretch where the Mariners hit significantly better.

“There was a definite culture change,” Turner said. “I don’t really know how to describe it, just a vibe, a relaxed intensity. You could definitely see a difference in the room.”

Catcher Cal Raleigh shared similar thoughts in the Nightengale article.

“I think we’re all excited with Dan at the helm now, and Edgar (Martinez) leading the charge with the offensive strategy,” Raleigh said. “I think guys are hungrier. There’s very good energy going on around here. Dan is such a good person, but brings a fierce kind of competitiveness to this team.”

Turner also said his time with the Mariners gave him a greater appreciation for the job that president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto does. He referenced the team’s in-season trade in 2021 of key reliever Kendall Graveman to the rival Houston Astros for infielder Abraham Toro as one that makes more sense to him now.

“I think Jerry catches a bad rap for a lot of these trades and how crazy some of these trades have been,” Turner said. “But now being a part of it, I kind of understand. He doesn’t have any money to spend, so he’s got to create money. Like, OK, is it really Jerry’s fault?”