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Sixteen-year MLB veteran Justin Turner wasn’t with the Seattle Mariners for very long. The 39-year-old utility infielder joined the club prior to the trade deadline a year ago and ultimately left for the Chicago Cubs in free agency. With his career likely winding down and the Mariners seemingly stuck in limbo, Turner wanted to play somewhere where he felt he had a chance at a second World Series ring.
Yes, Seattle is littered with young talent, led by superstars Julio Rodriguez and Luis Castillo and backed by one of the best starting rotations in baseball. But the Mariners are likely a couple pieces away from truly making a World Series push. The team could have acquired those pieces in free agency, but passed instead. Seattle has the league’s 16th highest payroll according to Spotrac.
Justin Turner Slams Seattle Mariners For Not Being More Aggressive In Offseason
The lack of aggressiveness not only led to Turner walking out the door, but also encouraged him to speak his mind about the Mariners’ lack of ambition.
“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 told USA TODAY Sports.
“Honestly, as much as I wanted to be back there, if I was the only piece they brought back in, I would be saying the same thing: ‘What the hell are we doing? Are you trying?'” he said. “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.”
By comparison, the Cubs not only added Turner, but also traded for superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker as well as former All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly. Chicago is the prohibitive favorite to win the NL Central, while Seattle is predicted to finish third in the AL West.
Could things change? Of course. Does spending money necessarily lead to on-field success. No. But it sure seems as if one organization wants to win while the other is happy to just take part.