Justin Turner eyes Dodgers reunion as he navigates free agency at 41
As Justin Turner approaches his 41st birthday, the free agent infielder is determined to extend his Major League Baseball career, marking his fourth foray into free agency in as many years. Last season, Turner played 80 games for the Chicago Cubs, finishing with a .219 batting average and a .602 OPS, contributing three home runs and seven doubles to his team’s efforts.
A Legacy in Los Angeles
Turner is best known for his role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ success, particularly during their triumphant 2020 World Series campaign. Despite his storied past with the franchise, the Dodgers currently prioritize other areas of their roster as they enter this free agency period. However, there remains the possibility that they may consider re-signing Turner, not necessarily for his on-field prowess, but for the invaluable leadership he brings to the clubhouse.
Regardless of what the immediate future holds, Turner is hopeful about the prospect of rejoining the Dodgers at some point. He has expressed a desire to return to the team, even if only to sign a one-day contract to retire in the uniform that defined a significant chapter of his career.
Reflections on a Storied Career
“It’s pretty obvious that the biggest chunk of my career came in LA, those nine years,” Turner reflected during the ninth annual Justin Turner Foundation Golf Classic. “The turning point in my career came when I put the Dodger uniform on, and the one title I won was with the Dodgers.”
As he contemplates his future, Turner remains optimistic. “I don’t even want to get down to that yet, but it’s probably a slam dunk that it happens that way. But we will see what happens,” he added, hinting at a deep connection to the franchise that helped shape him as a player.
With free agency now underway, the baseball world will watch closely to see where Turner’s next chapter unfolds and if it might lead him back to the Dodgers, a team that holds a special place in his heart.
