Justin Turner

Justin Matthew Turner Bio

Justin Matthew Turner is an American professional baseball infielder and designated hitter who most recently played for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball. Born on November 23, 1984, in Long Beach, California, Turner has built a distinguished career spanning over a decade and a half, playing for seven MLB franchises. He is widely recognized for his clutch hitting, leadership qualities, and humanitarian efforts. Turner achieved his ultimate career milestone by winning the 2020 World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a victory capped by his memorable performance throughout the postseason. His career statistics include over 1,600 hits and 200 home runs, reflecting consistent offensive production at the highest level of professional baseball.

Early Life and Background

Justin Turner was born in Long Beach, California, to John and Betsy Turner. He grew up with one younger sister in the Southern California baseball scene. Turner attended Mayfair High School in Lakewood, California, where he established himself as a standout shortstop and second baseman. He earned three-time All-Suburban first-team honors during his high school career, demonstrating the defensive versatility and offensive prowess that would define his professional career.

After graduating from Mayfair High School, Turner pursued higher education at California State University, Fullerton. He majored in kinesiology while playing college baseball for the Cal State Fullerton Titans. Baseball America recognized him as a freshman All-American in 2003 after he quickly became the starting second baseman. During the 2003 College World Series, Turner earned a spot on the all-tournament team as a shortstop. Notably, he was hit in the face by a fastball during the CWS after going 3-for-3 with a home run, an incident that showcased his toughness and determination. Cal State Fullerton won the 2004 College World Series, defeating Texas in a two-game final, with Turner contributing to the championship run. In 2005, Turner played collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, further developing his skills against top college talent.

Path to Major League Baseball

Turner’s path to professional baseball included being selected in the 2005 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees in the 29th round, though he did not sign. The following year, he was selected again in the 2006 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round with the 204th overall pick. Turner received a $50,000 signing bonus and began his professional career with the Billings Mustangs, the Reds’ Rookie League affiliate. He displayed impressive versatility, seeing time at all four infield positions and in the outfield while leading the team with a .338 batting average and a .921 OPS. Within two years, he advanced to Double-A Chattanooga, finishing the 2008 season at age 23 with a .289 average and a .792 OPS at that level.

Turner’s professional ascent continued when he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles on December 9, 2008, as part of a package for catcher Ramón Hernández. He began the 2009 season at Triple-A Norfolk, where he hit .300 with a .749 OPS while playing primarily second and third base. The Orioles purchased his contract on September 8, 2009, and he made his major league debut that day at Fenway Park, pinch-hitting for Melvin Mora and finishing the game at third base. Turner earned his first major league hit at Yankee Stadium, a single to center field off Michael Dunn. He appeared in 12 games that season, collecting three hits in 18 at-bats.

Justin Turner Career

New York Mets Era (2010–2013)

Turner was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets on May 25, 2010, and began a four-year tenure with the franchise. He saw limited action initially but earned a more significant role in 2011 after the Mets designated Brad Emaus for assignment. On May 15, 2011, Turner hit his first major league home run against the Houston Astros, a three-run homer off Aneury Rodriguez that was part of a five-RBI performance. Later that month, he set a Mets rookie record by driving in a run in seven consecutive games during a Subway Series matchup at Yankee Stadium. His impressive production earned him National League Rookie of the Month honors for May 2011, making him the first Met to win that award since its creation in 2001.

The Mets converted Turner into an all-around utility infielder in 2012, platooning him at shortstop when Ruben Tejada was injured. After the 2013 season, the Mets non-tendered Turner, making him a free agent. Over four seasons with the Mets, he appeared in 301 games and hit .265/.326/.370, demonstrating his ability to play multiple positions effectively.

Los Angeles Dodgers Breakthrough (2014–2022)

The defining chapter of Turner’s career began when Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Tim Wallach spotted him hitting at a Cal State Fullerton alumni game. Turner signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers on February 5, 2014, received an invitation to spring training, and had his contract purchased on March 16, adding him to the Major League roster. In 2014, he played 109 games due to injuries to Hanley Ramírez and Juan Uribe, leading the team with a .340 batting average while hitting seven home runs and driving in 43 runs in just 288 at-bats. His versatility proved invaluable as he filled in at multiple positions throughout the lineup.

Turner became the Dodgers’ starting third baseman in 2015, signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract and hitting .294 with a career-high 16 homers and 60 RBI. In the National League Division Series against his former team, the Mets, he led the Dodgers with 10 hits in 19 at-bats, including an LDS record six doubles. Turner signed a new one-year, $5.1 million contract in January 2016 and played a career-high 151 games that season, setting new career highs in home runs (27) and RBI (90) while batting .275.

On December 23, 2016, the Dodgers signed Turner to a landmark four-year, $64 million contract, solidifying his status as a cornerstone player. The 2017 season marked his breakthrough as a star. He won the All-Star Final Vote with a record 20.8 million votes, earning a spot in the All-Star Game. Turner finished the season with a .322 batting average, a .415 on-base percentage, 21 home runs, and 71 RBI, ranking third in the National League in batting average and second in on-base percentage. His postseason performance was legendary, as he and Chris Taylor were named co-MVPs of the National League Championship Series, with Turner batting .333 with two home runs and seven RBI, including a dramatic winning home run in the ninth inning of Game 2 against the Chicago Cubs. He drove in his 14th run of the postseason, breaking Dusty Baker’s franchise record for most RBI in a single postseason.

Turner continued his excellence in 2018 despite a fractured left wrist suffered in spring training that delayed his season debut until May. He won National League Player of the Month for August after batting .402 with 20 RBI. On the field, he hit a career-high three home runs and drove in six runs against the Atlanta Braves on May 8, and he reached his 100th career home run milestone in June against the Chicago Cubs. The shortened 2020 season saw Turner play 42 games, hitting .307/.400/.460 with four homers and 23 RBI. He moved past Steve Garvey for the most playoff hits in Dodgers franchise history and played a crucial role in the World Series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, collecting eight hits including two home runs in 25 at-bats during the championship series.

Turner re-signed with the Dodgers on February 19, 2021, on a two-year, $34 million contract. In 2021, he played 151 games with a .278 average, 27 home runs, and 87 RBI. He made history on August 29, 2021, when he pitched a scoreless ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies, throwing 10 pitches for all three outs and receiving a standing ovation. In 2022, he split time between third base and designated hitter, appearing in 128 games with a .278 average, 13 homers, and 81 RBI. The Dodgers declined his $16 million option on November 10, 2022, making him a free agent after eight distinguished seasons with the franchise.

Boston Red Sox (2023)

Turner signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox on January 6, 2023, with a player option for 2024, earning $15 million for the season. He appeared in 146 games, primarily as a designated hitter with some infield appearances, hitting .276 with 23 home runs and 96 RBI. On November 3, 2023, Turner opted out of his contract and became a free agent.

Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners (2024)

On January 30, 2024, Turner signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He played 91 games for the Blue Jays, batting .250/.350/.372 with six home runs and 31 RBI. On July 29, 2024, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners for minor league prospect RJ Schreck. With the Mariners, Turner appeared in 48 games and batted .264/.363/.403 with five home runs and 24 RBI, providing veteran leadership and depth to their lineup during the stretch run.

Chicago Cubs (2025)

On February 20, 2025, Turner signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. He reached a significant career milestone on July 8, 2025, when he hit his 200th career home run off Joey Wentz. On August 3, 2025, Turner experienced a memorable moment when he hit his first walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, a dramatic shot off Keegan Akin that gave the Cubs a 5-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. His mutual option with the Cubs for the 2026 season was declined on November 6, 2025, making him a free agent. Turner concluded his MLB career with 1,617 hits, 201 home runs, and 832 RBI across 1,617 games with a .283 batting average.

Defensive Versatility and Strengths

Turner has built his reputation on exceptional versatility, having played professionally at second base, shortstop, third base, first base, and designated hitter. His ability to move around the diamond made him invaluable to every team he joined, allowing managers to optimize their lineups based on matchups and injuries. Known for his clutch hitting in high-pressure situations, Turner developed a reputation as a player who elevated his game when stakes were highest. His left-handed bat provided balance to lineups, and his high on-base percentage demonstrated patience at the plate.

Signature Achievements

Beyond his 2017 NLCS MVP and 2020 World Series championship, Turner’s career highlights include two All-Star selections, the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award recognizing his humanitarian contributions, and the Roy Campanella Award as the Dodgers’ most inspirational player. His 200th career home run milestone and first career walk-off homer in 2025 represented memorable moments in a career filled with significant achievements. His red beard became so iconic that it inspired his social media handle “RedTurn2” and led to his partnership as a part-owner and ambassador for Beard Club in 2024.

Justin Turner Career Wins

Turner accumulated impressive statistics across his 17 MLB seasons, compiling over 1,600 hits and 200 home runs while maintaining a career batting average of .283. His ability to drive in runs consistently, finishing with 832 career RBI, ranks among the top offensive producers at his position during his career. His postseason performance, particularly with the Dodgers, showcased his ability to deliver in clutch situations.

Los Angeles Dodgers Highlights

Turner’s most productive years came with the Dodgers from 2014 to 2022. During that span, he won the 2017 National League Championship Series MVP award, earned two All-Star selections, and captured the 2020 World Series championship. He set franchise records for most playoff hits in Dodgers history and drove in a record number of runs during a single postseason. His 2017 season was particularly exceptional, as he finished third in National League MVP voting while posting a .322 batting average and leading the league in on-base percentage. He was voted the National League Player of the Month for August 2018 after batting over .400 for the month.

Career Summary Statistics

Throughout his MLB career spanning from 2009 to 2025, Turner appeared in 1,617 games across seven franchises. He accumulated 1,617 hits, 201 home runs, and 832 RBI while maintaining a career batting average of .283. His consistent offensive production and durability allowed him to remain a productive player into his 40s, transitioning from primarily a defensive player to an impact bat and designated hitter.

Justin Turner Family

Family Background

Turner was born to John and Betsy Turner in Long Beach, California. He grew up with one younger sister in the Southern California area. His family has supported his baseball career throughout his journey from youth leagues through his professional career.

Personal Life

Turner married his longtime girlfriend Kourtney Pogue in December 2017. Their wedding took place at a beachfront resort in Mexico and was officiated by former Dodger pitcher and current broadcaster Orel Hershiser. Turner and his wife reside in Studio City, California. Their son, Bo Jordan Turner, was born in July 2024. Turner has been recognized for his commitment to family and community, balancing his professional baseball career with his responsibilities as a husband and father.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a significant year for Turner as he joined the Chicago Cubs on a one-year contract. He provided veteran leadership and a professional bat to a young Cubs lineup. His mid-season milestone of hitting his 200th career home run demonstrated his sustained offensive capability entering his 40s. The memorable walk-off home run against his former team, the Baltimore Orioles, in August showcased his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Despite the Cubs declining his mutual option for 2026, Turner remained productive and available for teams seeking experienced depth at multiple positions. His career statistics of over 1,600 hits and 200 home runs reflect remarkable longevity and consistency at the sport’s highest level.