Could the Nationals end up landing the former Red Sox fan-favorite slugger?

One former Boston Red Sox fan-favorite certainly has an active market in free agency.

Former Red Sox slugger Justin Turner is one of the top offensive players still available and could fill a need for a club looking to fill the designated hitter role. Boston fits into that category and is looking to add a slugger in the middle of the lineup, but at this point, it seems like Turner is going to sign elsewhere.

Fox Sports’ Rowan Kavner compiled a list of possible landing spots for the top remaining free agents and mentioned the Washington Nationals as a fit for Turner.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Turner return to Boston after a highly productive age-38 season,” Kavner said. “But even as his barrel rates dip, other teams will have interest in his bat-to-ball skills. He might be a particularly nice addition for a developing young team looking for a veteran offensive addition that won’t break the bank. As the Nationals prepare for the arrivals of Dylan Crews and James Wood and look to make another leap forward, they could use more impact bats.

“In Washington, Turner could fill a similar role he had with the Red Sox, getting most of his time at DH while making spot starts around the infield. And if the first half doesn’t go the way the Nationals hope, Turner could get the Jeimer Candelario treatment and still finish the year on a contender.”

This doesn’t mean Turner will land in Washington, but a move could make sense. Washington dealt Candelario ahead of the trade deadline last season and Turner could help fill the role he held. He could see most of his time as designated hitter but also help fill in defensively at either corner infield spot.