MLB Rumors: Justin Turner Traded to Mariners from Blue Jays amid Yandy Díaz Buzz

Amid their ongoing struggles this season, the Toronto Blue Jays are moving on from Justin Turner after trading him to the Seattle Mariners.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal first reported the trade, and the Seattle Times' Ryan Divish added that Seattle will get a minor league prospect in return.

Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reported the return is outfield prospect RJ Schreck:

The trade comes amid rumors that the Mariners were eyeing Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz. Now having landed Turner, Seattle making a move for Diaz seems unlikely.

Coming off three playoff appearances in the previous four years, expectations were high in Toronto for 2024. Things haven't gone as well as the Blue Jays with a 49-56 record that has them in last place in the AL East.

Turner has been an okay addition with a .254/.349/.371 slash line in 89 games. Even though his power output isn't what it was from his peak years, the ability to get on base at a decent clip makes him valuable for a playoff contender.

While primarily a designate hitter at this point in his career, Turner is capable of playing first or third base. He is playing on a one-year, $13 million contract that made him very likely to be dealt for a team in Toronto's current position.

If Turner can add some of the power back to his production that he had as recently as last season (23 homers in 146 games), this could be one of the better low-cost deadline acquisitions for any team.