Having made his big league debut back in September 2019, veteran Justin Turner is still going strong. The 2025 season marked his 17th year at the top level of baseball. After his mutual option with the Chicago Cubs was declined on November 6, Turner became a free agent. Consequently, many speculated that the 40-year-old might consider calling time on his major league career.
Despite the uncertainty, Turner has other plans. According to his agent, Greg Genske, Justin Turner intends to play in the 2026 season. Turner, who will turn 41 in a few months, posted a .759 OPS against left-handed pitching for the Cubs this year, showing he can still be effective in certain matchups.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Some fans feel that Turner has nothing more to offer at this point and should retire. One fan wrote, “Hang it up.” Another commented, “He just needs to be a hitting coach at this point, great clubhouse leader but it’s time to hang it up lol 😂😂.” Others were less convinced, with one fan sharing, “If a team is going to pay me millions of dollars to be a little-used pinch hitter, DH, and occasional infielder, why not play?” and another simply saying, “That’s nuts.”
Since making his debut, Justin Turner has represented some of the biggest organizations in baseball. The Chicago Cubs, whom he spent the 2025 season playing for, were the seventh different team he has played for so far.
The 2025 season was a tough one for Turner. He finished the regular season with a .219 batting average, hitting only 3 home runs and 18 RBIs. With the Cubs opting to let him go, the veteran must now look for a fresh challenge in 2026.
Although his overall hitting stats from 2025 do not inspire much confidence, Turner enjoyed plenty of success against left-handed pitchers. He delivered a solid .276/.330/.429 batting line in 109 plate appearances against lefties, which may prove key in helping him secure his next contract.
Having earned $6 million in 2025, Turner will most likely have to take a significant pay cut for his next deal, due to his age and diminishing consistency. However, as an affordable veteran whose leadership skills and experience can be extremely beneficial in the clubhouse, the 40-year-old will likely settle for another one-year contract.
Justin Turner looks for a fresh challenge in 2026, aiming to continue contributing both on and off the field as he extends his impressive baseball career.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-hang-up-be-hitting-coach-fans-call-40-year-old-justin-turner-s-retirement-amid-plans-play-18th-mlb-season-2026