Justin Turner Becomes Free Agent
Infielder Justin Turner is set to enter free agency after his mutual option with the Chicago Cubs was declined, as announced by the Major League Baseball Players Association earlier today. It remains uncertain which party—Turner or the Cubs—opted out of the deal. Regardless, Turner will receive a $2 million buyout instead of a $10 million salary for the 2026 season.
The 41-year-old veteran endured his first below-average season in more than ten years in 2025. Appearing in 80 games and logging 191 plate appearances, he batted .219/.288/.314 with a wRC+ of 71. Turner primarily served as a bench player and functioned as a platoon partner for left-handed hitter Michael Busch at first base.
Performance Breakdown
- Against left-handed pitching: .276/.330/.429 (112 wRC+) in 109 plate appearances
- Against right-handed pitching: .141/.232/.155 (16 wRC+) in 82 plate appearances
This stark contrast translated into one of the weakest performances against right-handers among players with at least 70 such plate appearances in 2025, leaving Turner with a negative WAR according to both FanGraphs and Baseball Reference.
“Turner will receive a $2MM buyout instead of a $10MM salary for 2026,” reported the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Outlook
Despite his struggles, Turner’s experience and situational hitting against left-handed pitching may still attract interest from teams looking for depth and veteran presence on the roster.
Author’s Summary: Veteran infielder Justin Turner, after a difficult 2025 with the Cubs, enters free agency as a potential platoon asset following the decline of his mutual option.