Justin Turner Declares Free Agency

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

Infielder Justin Turner has entered free agency after the Chicago Cubs declined a mutual option for the upcoming season. This announcement came from the Major League Baseball Players Association, indicating that the specific party responsible for the declined option remains unclear. Turner will receive a $2 million buyout instead of a scheduled $10 million salary for the 2026 season.

Justin Turner’s 2025 Season Review

At 41 years old, Turner had a challenging 2025 season, posting some of his worst statistics in over a decade. He recorded a .219 batting average, along with a .288 on-base percentage and a .314 slugging percentage. His weighted runs created plus (wRC+) was a mere 71 across 80 games and 191 plate appearances.

Role with the Cubs

Turner primarily served as a bench player.
He partnered with lefty-swinging Michael Busch at first base.
Against left-handed pitching, he had a solid performance, slashing .276/.330/.429 with a 112 wRC+.
However, he struggled significantly against right-handed pitchers, with a distressing .141/.232/.155 line and a wRC+ of just 16.

These figures reflected the worst production against right-handed pitching for hitters with at least 70 plate appearances in the league. This performance left Turner with a negative Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to both Fangraphs and Baseball Reference.

Future Prospects for Turner

As Turner approaches his 41st birthday, his future in baseball remains uncertain. If he opts to continue playing, his extensive experience and veteran presence may attract teams seeking depth. A chance to compete for a bench role during Spring Training may still be an option, despite the difficulties he faced in the previous season.

Cubs’ Offseason Plans

The Cubs will be looking to revamp their bench this winter. With Turner and Willi Castro entering free agency and Reese McGuire facing potential non-tender status, the team has opportunities for significant changes. A platoon partner for Busch may not be as essential as previously thought following his successful 2025 campaign, where he boasted a 140 wRC+ overall and a 143 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers from July 1 onward.

If the Cubs decide to seek additional backup options, potential candidates may include Wilmer Flores, Ty France, or Connor Joe.