Justin Turner decided to turn down his $13.4 million player option from the Boston Red Sox for the 2024 season, making him a free agent this winter. But that doesn't mean the veteran third baseman isn't interested in returning to Beantown.

Turner, who signed with the Sox in January, expressed his desire to sign a longer-term deal with the organization. If not, Turner knows he'll find a home elsewhere. Via Chris Cotillo:

“You just don’t know what’s going to happen. Obviously, (Craig Breslow) has got to do what’s best for the organization. Hopefully, I’m part of that. If not, I’ll hopefully land on my feet somewhere else and maybe get to know another city,” said Justin Turner.

Turner also said he sat down with Breslow, Boston's chief baseball officer, for more than one hour at Fenway and discussed what the future could hold. Turner is 38 now and likely won't get a huge contract from any team, but he did reveal that numerous ballclubs have been reaching out so far in free agency.

The former Los Angeles Dodger hit .276 with 23 homers and 96 RBIs for the Red Sox in 2023 and played a plethora of positions other than third, including first base and second base. In fact, most of his time in the field came at first since Rafael Devers is the everyday third baseman in Boston.

Bringing back a guy who has playoff experience and can still rake like Justin Turner would certainly make sense, and fans certainly loved him. Of course, the Red Sox often make odd decisions, so we'll see what happens.

Regardless, the door is certainly open to return in '24. Turner has made his stance clear.