When looking back at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ success over the last decade, Justin Turner comes to mind as one of the most important players during that time.
The Long Beach, Calif., native spent nine seasons with the organization, earning two All-Star Game selections and winning a World Series championship in 2020, among other accolades.
Turner left the Dodgers as a free agent after the 2022 season and continued his career with the Boston Red Sox. He most recently played with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners last year.
Now 40 years old, Turner has signed a one-year, $6 million contract with Chicago Cubs that includes incentives, via Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
Turner gets $6M plus $2.5M in incentives, not bad for 40 https://t.co/1IhOwMHOh8
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 18, 2025
The Cubs seemingly pivoted to Turner after watching Alex Bregman sign a three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox that includes multiple opt outs and deferred salary.
Although not the offensive player he once was, Turner can still get it done with the bat as he hit a solid .259/.354/.383 with 24 doubles, 11 home runs and 55 RBI in 139 games last year.
Turner may fill a backup role at first base and third base with the Cubs. He has primarily served as a designated hitter since the 2023 season and will likely continue receiving opportunities there as well.
The Cubs’ signing of Turner is notable as they will face the Dodgers in the Tokyo Series to open the regular season next month. Along with Turner, L.A. will see a couple of other familiar faces in Michael Busch and Ryan Brasier during the two-game set.
Justin Turner open to returning to Dodgers
When Turner returned to Dodger Stadium as a member of the Mariners last season, he expressed a desire to potentially find his way back to the Dodgers in some capacity.
“That’s not really up to me all the way. It’s a two-way street,” Turner began.
“Would I like to work here someday? I’m from Southern California, I think it’s a great place to be, it’s a great place to play. Obviously, if that opportunity presented itself, it would be something that I really, really took into consideration.”
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