Third base target for the Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins have a problem at third base. The typically reliable Jean Segura has been a disaster in his debut season with the team. At least The Fish's other off-season acquisitions worked out. The trading deadline should lead to some lineup improvements, could one of them be an off-season free agent target that signed elsewhere? I'm talking about Boston Red Sox DH Justin Turner.

The Miami Marlins should target Justin Turner for third base.

The Boston Red Sox are not going to the playoffs this season. They're playing in the tough AL East, and are in last place. They look significantly worse than the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays. This means that they won't be making the playoffs. It then makes sense for them to move DH Justin Turner, who is making $13.4 million this season. He has a $13.4 million player option for next season (with a $6.7 million buyout).

Justin Turner is primarily a designated hitter this season, but he's capable of playing both first base and third base. It's his ability to play third base, that is most important here as he could play the position with the Miami Marlins. There is concern with his recent injury history and age (38), but he should be decent enough the rest of this season. He's currently batting .260/.343/.408, with 7 home runs and 26 RBI in 59 games and 223 AB. That's certainly better than Jean Segura's .190/.259/.217 in 54 games and 184 AB.

How much would Justin Turner cost the Miami Marlins in a trade? Not much. A lottery ticket type of prospect should be good enough for Boston. The reason being that Turner simply doesn't have enough value to cost any top prospects. He's already 38 years old, is not a good defender and is a free agent at the end of the season. He could however be an upgrade over the struggling Jean Segura for The Fish. Justin Turner hits better for contact and power and has a reputation as a good clubhouse leader.