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Justin Turner raves about playing for the Blue Jays: ‘The way they treat their players and the families here is off the charts’
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Clarke Corsan
Jun 18, 2024, 10:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 18, 2024, 10:40 EDT
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The Toronto Blue Jays were busy during the offseason, focusing on extensive renovations to enhance both player and fan experiences at their ballpark. These improvements are part of a broader effort to modernize and elevate the overall atmosphere, making the stadium a premier destination for baseball enthusiasts. Among the most notable changes are the new bars, patios, and a redesigned outfield wall, all of which are now on full display. However, the upgrades extend far beyond what fans can see, reaching into the depths of player facilities with a series of impressive enhancements.
During the first phase of their 2022-23 winter renovations, the Blue Jays rebuilt much of the player facilities behind the scenes. This overhaul includes a new barber shop, weight room, family room, and bullpens. These updates aim to provide a comfortable and functional environment for players, helping them perform at their best both on and off the field.
The new workout facility is a standout feature, having tripled in size compared to the old weight room. Toronto Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro highlighted the transformation, noting that the facility has evolved from a high school-sized space to one that meets Major League standards. The upgraded weight room now spans 7,900 square feet and boasts 14,000 pounds of weights, 18 pieces of cardio equipment, and 1,000 square feet of mats. This significant expansion ensures that players have access to top-tier training resources.
The renovations also extend to the bullpens, which have been designed to offer more than just a place to warm up. The new bullpens feature a raised pitching surface, giving fans an up-close view of the action. Additionally, they include a washroom underneath the mounds, designated activation areas, and seating options both above and below the mounds. Shapiro explained the importance of these changes, emphasizing the need for a dedicated space for bullpen pitchers.
“The bullpen is a team within a team, and we’re giving this team its own space instead of just a holding tank to sit in before they have to warm up,” Shapiro said. 
The renovations weren’t limited to performance-related facilities. The Blue Jays have also introduced a new team barbershop, providing players with a gathering spot for their pregame rituals. The family room offers a much-needed escape from baseball for players’ families, catering to children of all ages. The Jays recognize the importance of a good work-life balance and make their commitment to accommodating this clear. 
Among the many players benefiting from these renovations is Justin Turner, who has been vocal about his positive experiences with the Blue Jays. Turner, who currently serves as the team’s designated hitter and has a .232 batting average with a .322 OBP and .691 OPS, expressed his admiration for the new facilities and the team’s commitment to player comfort.
“The way they treat their players and the families here is off the charts. The facilities are insane. They put a lot of money into making us comfortable. The city is amazing,” Turner gushed.
Turner’s comments highlight the impact of the renovations on the players’ daily routines and overall satisfaction. His praise is a testament to the team’s commitment to being an attractive destination for free agents looking for a new home in the offseason, as moving to a new country is typically a daunting prospect.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays plan to continue their renovation efforts. The opposing team’s workout facility is set to receive a facelift next winter, although it won’t be as extensive as the upgrades made to Toronto’s own facility. Shapiro humorously noted that the opposing team’s space will be “just good enough that we don’t get complaints, but not too nice.”
The renovations are part of a broader strategy to elevate the Blue Jays’ ballpark into one of the premier venues in Major League Baseball, benefiting players, families, and fans alike.

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