Blue Jays in agreement to sign veteran DH Justin Turner

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That veteran bat the Blue Jays have been seeking in a long and idling off-season is finally on its way.

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According to multiple reports, the team has reached agreement on a one-year deal with Justin Turner, a potential answer to the vacated designated hitter spot and a big hole in the Toronto lineup. Turner belted 23 home runs and a career-high 96 RBI with the Boston Red Sox last season.

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The 39-year-old could immediately inject some life into the middle of the Jays order and, having played recently with the Red Sox, has some familiarity with the American League East.

Turner, who would likely project to play most of his time at the DH spot, also has extensive experience at third base — a spot still open with the Jays after Matt Chapman departed due to free agency.

Besides the quality at-bats he could bring, Turner is a veteran presence with extensive post-season experience, having played in 86 playoff games as part of the Los Angeles Dodgers — including three trips to the World Series and five to the NLCS. In 2017, he won the NLCS MVP award with the Dodgers.

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Depending on how the rest of the winter plays out, the Jays certainly have options with Turner, whose versatility is a plus.

In his one season with the Red Sox, the two-time all star started 98 games at DH, 35 at first base with seven at third and four at second.

According to the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the deal — first reported by MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, is worth $13 million US plus incentives.

According to a source familiar with the deal, it is pending Turner passing a routine physical.

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