Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Justin Turner

Discover the career path of Justin Turner, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Justin Turner, nicknamed "RedTurn2," is an American professional baseball infielder and designated hitter currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. Throughout his MLB career, Turner has played for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners, demonstrating a lengthy and varied career in professional baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: Drafted by New York Yankees

In 2005, Justin Turner was selected in the 29th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the New York Yankees, but he did not sign.

2006: Drafted by Cincinnati Reds

In 2006, Justin Turner was selected in the seventh round of the MLB draft by the Cincinnati Reds after playing college baseball for the Cal State Fullerton Titans.

December 9, 2008: Traded to Baltimore Orioles

On December 9, 2008, Justin Turner was traded to the Baltimore Orioles along with Ryan Freel and Brandon Waring in return for Ramón Hernández.

2008: Promotion to Double-A Chattanooga

In 2008, Justin Turner was promoted to Double-A Chattanooga, finishing the season with a .289 average and a .792 OPS.

September 8, 2009: MLB Debut

On September 8, 2009, Justin Turner made his major league debut for the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park, pinch-hitting for Melvin Mora and playing third base.

2009: MLB Debut with Baltimore Orioles

In 2009, Justin Turner made his major league debut with the Baltimore Orioles.

2009: Assigned to Triple-A Norfolk

In 2009, Justin Turner was invited to spring training and subsequently assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, where he finished the year with a .300 average.

April 12, 2010: Recalled to Orioles

On April 12, 2010, Justin Turner was recalled from Norfolk after Brian Roberts was placed on the injured list.

May 21, 2010: Designated for Assignment by Orioles

On May 21, 2010, Justin Turner was designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles.

May 25, 2010: Claimed by New York Mets

On May 25, 2010, Justin Turner was claimed off waivers from the Orioles by the New York Mets and optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

April 19, 2011: Called up to Mets

On April 19, 2011, the Mets called Justin Turner back up after designating Brad Emaus for assignment.

May 15, 2011: First MLB Home Run

On May 15, 2011, Justin Turner hit his first major league home run against the Houston Astros off Aneury Rodriguez, capping off a five-RBI day.

May 6, 2012: Platooning at Shortstop

On May 6, 2012, Justin Turner began platooning at shortstop with Jordany Valdespin when Ruben Tejada went on the injured list.

2013: Free Agency

After the 2013 season, Justin Turner was non-tendered by the Mets, making him a free agent.

February 5, 2014: Signed with Dodgers

On February 5, 2014, Justin Turner signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, with an invitation to spring training.

2014: Played 109 Games with Dodgers

In 2014, Justin Turner played 109 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers and led the team with a .340 batting average.

January 16, 2015: Signed Contract with Dodgers

On January 16, 2015, Justin Turner signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, avoiding salary arbitration.

2015: Led Dodgers in NLDS

In the 2015 National League Division Series against the Mets, Justin Turner led the Dodgers with 10 hits and a .526 average.

January 2016: Signed contract with the Dodgers

In January 2016 Justin Turner signed a new one year, $5.1 million, contract with the Dodgers in order to avoid salary arbitration.

December 23, 2016: Signed Four-Year Contract with Dodgers

On December 23, 2016, Justin Turner signed a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers valued at $64 million.

2016: Career Highs

In 2016, Justin Turner played in a career-high 151 games and had career highs in home runs (27) and RBI (90) while batting .275.

2017: All-Star and NLCS MVP

In 2017, Justin Turner was named an All-Star and was the co-MVP of the National League Championship Series. He finished the season with a .322 batting average.

September 4, 2018: Roberto Clemente Award Nomination

On September 4, 2018, Justin Turner was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award.

January 22, 2019: "Justin Turner Day" Declared

On January 22, 2019, the Los Angeles City Council declared it "Justin Turner Day" to honor Justin Turner's civic contributions.

2020: World Series Win and COVID-19 Controversy

During the 2020 World Series, the Dodgers won the championship against the Tampa Bay Rays. Justin Turner tested positive for COVID-19 and was pulled from Game 6. He then returned to the field to celebrate with the team, violating MLB protocols, which led to criticism.

2020: World Series Win with Dodgers

In 2020, Justin Turner won the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

February 19, 2021: Re-signed with Dodgers

On February 19, 2021, Justin Turner re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a two-year, $34 million contract.

August 29, 2021: Pitching Debut

On August 29, 2021, Justin Turner made his pitching debut in the ninth inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies, throwing 10 pitches for all three outs and giving up no runs.

2021: All-Star Selection

In 2021, Justin Turner was named an All-Star.

2022: Roberto Clemente Award

In 2022, Justin Turner won the Roberto Clemente Award for his philanthropic work.

January 6, 2023: Signed with the Boston Red Sox

On January 6, 2023, Justin Turner signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox for $15 million, including a player option for 2024.

2023: Dodgers Declined Option

On November 10, 2022, the Dodgers declined Justin Turner's $16 million option for the 2023 season, making him a free agent.

January 30, 2024: Signed with the Toronto Blue Jays

On January 30, 2024, Justin Turner signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

June 2024: Part-Owner and Ambassador for Beard Club

In June 2024, Justin Turner became a part-owner and ambassador for Beard Club.

July 29, 2024: Traded to the Seattle Mariners

On July 29, 2024, Justin Turner was traded to the Seattle Mariners for minor league player RJ Schreck.

2024: Most Endorsed MLB Athlete

In 2024, Justin Turner was the most endorsed MLB athlete with 20 deals, surpassing then-Mariners teammate Julio Rodríguez and Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll, according to a report by Sponsor United.