Justin Turner remains a veteran veteran presence who — despite recent struggles — still offers value for the right club. In 2025, with the Chicago Cubs, Turner posted a batting line of .219/.288/.314 over 80 games (169 at-bats), tallying 3 home runs, 18 RBIs, and an OPS of .602.

While those numbers are far from his peak, they don’t tell the whole story — Turner continues to provide a veteran clubhouse presence, understand situational hitting, and remain capable of stepping in for pinch-hit or platoon roles.

Though offense was modest overall, Turner still performed respectably against left-handed pitching in 2025. In 109 plate appearances versus lefties, he hit .276 with 3 home runs and 11 RBIs, posting a .759 OPS.

That split makes him a strong candidate for a bench or platoon role, especially in a lineup that needs situational right-handed bats to handle southpaws. For a club like the Dodgers — who constantly juggle young talent, budget, and postseason aspirations — that kind of role fits well: low pressure, measured expectations, and the occasional high-leverage spot.

This is just a prediction, NOT a report!

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Justin Turner Signs With Los Angeles Dodgers

“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.”

It’s clear that Turner would love to return to the Dodgers, now the question is simply if the Dodgers want him back.

First, Justin Turner remains a familiar face in Los Angeles. During his long run with the Dodgers from 2014–2022, he developed into a clubhouse leader and fan favorite, respected for his professionalism, game-year savvy, and postseason pedigree.

That kind of veteran presence — someone who knows how to prepare, how to handle big moments, and how to mentor younger teammates — can be valuable even when on-field production dips. For a ballclub like the Dodgers, which frequently balances youth with experience, bringing back a trusted veteran like Turner could provide stability.

Second, Turner offers flexibility. Given his decreased volume at-bats and — based on his 2025 performance — likely modest contract expectations, Los Angeles could reasonably sign him to a short-term, low-cost deal.

This gives the front office roster flexibility while preserving payroll space for pitching or younger core young players. Especially against left-handed starters or in certain situations (late-season push, playoffs, needed veteran depth), Turner could be a strategic option without burdensome expectation.

Third — and perhaps most importantly — Turner’s track record in clutch situations, including postseason success, remains a selling point. While 2025 didn’t replicate his peak years, the fact that he still shows flashes of patience and occasional power against lefties is useful.

For a team playing in a competitive division and often competing for playoff berths, depth and right-handed situational hitting can make the difference. Turner’s ability to adapt, hit selectively, and contribute in a limited but meaningful role is the kind of undervalued asset many playoff teams look for.