Whenever you think of clutch hits and grit in recent Major Baseball League (MLB) history, what is the one name that comes to your mind? Undoubtedly Justin Turner, “The Little Man.” After a storied 17-season career that he rocked with his outstanding postseason battles, collection of over 1500 hits, and All-Star nods, the red-bearded slugger has helped the Los Angeles Dodgers to lead the 2020 World Series crown. However, with the Justin Turner retirement decision 2025, he is now standing at a crossroads. At 40, Turner’s days of blazing triples may be behind him, but his heart still beats like a young slugger’s. The seasoned infielder, whose .285 career average and gritty resilience defined his time with clubs like the Dodgers and Cubs, now faces free agency after the Cubs declined his 2026 option.
A Legacy for Generations of Baseball Players to Follow
Justin Turner has forged a memorable 17-season career in Major League Baseball, leaving a lasting mark as one of the most dependable and savvy veterans of his era. Over that span, he’s collected 1,617+ hits, 201 home runs, and 832 RBIs, maintaining a solid career batting average of around .283. Drafted in 2006 out of Cal State Fullerton, Turner made his MLB debut in 2009 and eventually played for seven teams, including notable stints with the Mets and Dodgers.
But it was during his time in Los Angeles where he truly thrived — Turner became a clubhouse leader and postseason force, famously winning NLCS MVP honors in 2017 after batting .333 with two homers and seven RBIs. His postseason prowess is especially impressive: Turner ranks among the Dodgers’ all-time postseason home run leaders, setting a franchise record with his 12th postseason homer during his career. He also contributed significantly in World Series play, posting a .270 average over 18 games, proving that he could deliver on baseball’s biggest stage.
Known for his gritty approach, high on-base skills, and versatility, Turner has earned the respect of teammates and fans alike. He’s also been a mentor figure, blending performance with leadership — a key piece in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship.
Moreover, Justin Turner’s MLB journey is defined not only by his strong offensive numbers but also by his adaptability, resilience, consistency, and a knack for rising to the moment when it matters most.
A Performance Decline From 2024
With a decline in his performance in the 2024 season despite a strong start, Justin continued into a career-worst offensive output in the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs. Compared to his performance in the 2023 season, the 2024 season witnessed a fall in his productivity. While playing for the Boston Red Sox in 2023, Turner had a batting average of .276. But in 2024, his batting average was .259 with the Blue Jays and Mariners altogether. This average continued to decline in 2025, with several .219 with the Chicago Cubs.
His home runs dropped to 11 in 2024 and 3 in 2025 from 23 in 2023. Whereas, his RBIs and OPS declined to 55 and 18, and .668 and .602 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Despite age and physical challenges working as a stumbling block, Turner plans to play again in 2026.
Justin’s MLB Retirement Decision After 17th Season
Justin Turner is entering free agency once again after the Chicago Cubs rejected their end of a mutual option. The 41-year-old veteran infielder has recently finished his 17th MLB season, with the Cubs marking the 7th organization he has played for. As he reaches the latter stages of his career, Turner’s offensive impact has continued to drop. With a .219 Justin Turner batting average, 2025 season has witnessed the biggest decline in his performance after nearly a decade.
Despite the drop in his productivity, Turner’s veteran presence proved valuable as the Cubs allowed Turner to return to the MLB playoffs in 2025. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi shared on his X account that Turner informed his agent, Greg Genske, about his intention to continue playing and pursuing an 18th MLB season.
As a right-handed hitter, Turner performed well against left-handed pitching, posting a .276 batting average, .759 OPS, .330 on-base percentage, and all three home runs. It might seem shocking for Turner to sign another contract, but his long-established capabilities and leadership to fight against lefties signify that his story is yet to gain momentum.
Turner’s time with the Los Angeles Dodgers sparkled with unforgettable moments, as he became a postseason hero and won the hearts of fans for years to come. Over nine seasons, Justin not only earned two All-Star nods and twice ranked among the top 10 in NL MVP voting, but also played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series triumph and claimed the 2017 NLCS MVP with his electrifying play.
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