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Former Dodgers Star Justin Turner Signs With Surprise Team
TL;DR
Former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Justin Turner has signed with a new team after a lengthy free agency, following his time with the Chicago Cubs. Turner was a key player for the Dodgers, known for his clutch performances and offensive contributions.
Oct 11, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) at a press conference before game one of the NLDS of the 2022 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Justin Turner has signed with a new team amid his long free agency period after spending 2025 with the Chicago Cubs.
Turner, one of the hallmarks of the Andrew Friedman era, came along as a relative unknown and fringe MLB player and became one of the best hitters in baseball with the Dodgers.
He spent years in Los Angeles, delivering clutch home runs and being a consistent offensive spark for the franchise.
He helped win the 2020 World Series, made two All-Star teams while manning the hot corner, and also took home an NLCS MVP.
Oct 11, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) at a press conference before game one of the NLDS of the 2022 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
His final season with the Dodgers was in 2022, at the age of 37. He completed nine full seasons with the Dodgers before leaving in free agency to bounce around the league with the Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and, most recently, the Chicago Cubs.
However, now at the age of 41 and coming off his first below-replacement-level season in terms of bWAR, Turner did not find a team until midseason, despite making it clear that he still wanted to play.
Turner, according to AM 570’s David Vassegh, is signing with the Tijuana Toros to play in the Mexican League.
In 191 plate appearances and 169 at-bats, the fan-favorite Dodger hit .219/.288/.314 with three home runs and 18 RBIs.
While he struggled against major league pitching last time he played baseball, the step down to the Mexican League should bring him success and could give him another MLB chance down the line if he succeeds.
Justin Turner wants to retire as a Dodger
Turner, when he does retire, wants to return to the Dodgers and retire as a member of the organization.
“I mean, I think it’s pretty obvious that the biggest chunk of my career came in LA with those nine years. The turning point in my career came when I put the Dodgers uniform on. The one title I won was with the Dodgers,” Turner said.
“That’s definitely, I think, I don’t even want to get down to that yet but it’s probably a slam dunk that [retiring with the Dodgers on a one-day contract] will happen that way. I don’t know, we’ll see what happens. If there was one [franchise to retire with], I think the obvious one would be the Dodgers.”
Despite leaving a handful of years ago, Turner still holds a soft spot for the team where he made his name.
Q&A
Which team did Justin Turner sign with after the Dodgers?
Justin Turner signed with a new team after his time with the Chicago Cubs.
How long did Justin Turner play for the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Justin Turner played for the Los Angeles Dodgers for several years, becoming a significant player during the Andrew Friedman era.
What were Justin Turner's contributions to the Dodgers?
Justin Turner was known for delivering clutch home runs and being a consistent offensive spark for the Dodgers.
What year did Justin Turner play with the Chicago Cubs?
Justin Turner spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs before signing with a new team.
