At 39, Justin Turner, the Seattle Mariners’ newly acquired first baseman/designated hitter, brings more than just his on-field skills to the team.
Turner emphasized that his role extends beyond batting, offering himself as a calming, experienced presence in the clubhouse. Having faced a wide array of challenges throughout his career, including trades, non-tenders, and bouncing between organizations, Turner is eager to share his experience with younger players navigating the pressures of a playoff race.
Turner’s influence has already been noted by teammate Mitch Haniger, who credited Turner with helping him regain his form.
Haniger, who has studied Turner’s swing for some time, expressed gratitude for Turner’s guidance, which he believes has positively impacted his performance, particularly after his walk-off walk against the Phillies.
The conversation on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk show further highlighted Turner’s potential role as a mentor, similar to how Carlos Santana contributed to the Mariners’ 2022 playoff push by providing leadership and timely hitting.
The hosts also speculated whether Turner could aid another veteran, Mitch Garver, who has struggled offensively this season. Garver’s challenges, including diminished playing time and online vitriol, have raised concerns.
The hope is that Turner’s presence could help Garver rediscover his previous form, providing a much-needed boost to the Mariners as they aim for postseason success.
