The Chicago Cubs signed veteran infielder Justin Turner before the 2025 season to provide two things: steady offense when called upon, and veteran leadership for a young roster trying to grow into a playoff threat.
He delivered on one of those two goals.
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Turner was a leader for the Cubs from start to finish. He’s been in every situation imaginable throughout his career, and in the words of manager Craig Counsell, he has “a very advanced feel for the game” and “sees things before most guys are seeing them.” He was a natural clubhouse fit for a young team that needed guidance — and, in Turner’s own words, had “a lot of guys who love the game, love talking the game, love practicing, wanting to get better.”
But 2025 was also the year age finally began to catch up with him. Turner hit 23 home runs with 96 RBIs and an .800 OPS with the Red Sox in 2023, and he posted respectable numbers with the Blue Jays and Mariners in 2024. Those clubs brought him in for the same reasons the Cubs did — but they got far better results.
Turner played 80 games for Chicago, hitting .219 with a .602 OPS. His power dipped significantly, with just three home runs and his slugging percentage dropping from .455 in 2023 to .315 in 2025.
Now, at 41 years old, it’s fair to wonder whether Turner still has the desire — or the physical ability — to continue playing. His skills are fading. He’s already won an ALCS MVP, a World Series ring, a Roberto Clemente Award, and he passed 200 career home runs last season. There isn’t much left for him to accomplish.
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But sometimes it’s not about chasing accolades. Sometimes it’s just about loving the game.
And Turner clearly still does.
In a recent interview with Rahimi, Harris & Grote on 670 The Score, Kourtney Turner — Justin’s wife — discussed her Bears fandom, her podcast Holding Kourt, and Justin’s future in MLB. While she didn’t know where he’ll play next season, she did say he is “100 percent” planning to return in 2026.
“He’s so well rested after this year. After his new role,” she joked.
So there you have it: Turner will be looking for another contract and another opportunity in 2026. It’s very possible his next deal is a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training, where he can prove he still has something left.
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Expect Turner to latch on with a contender for his age-41 season.