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 "Red," is a professional baseball infielder and designated hitter currently playing for the Chicago Cubs. He has played in MLB for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. Turner is known for his hitting ability and has been a key player for multiple teams throughout his career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: Cape Cod Baseball League

In 2005, Justin Turner played collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.

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 with them.

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 exchange for Ramón Hernández.

2008: Double-A Chattanooga

In 2008, Justin Turner finished the season with a .289 average and a .792 OPS at the Double-A Chattanooga level.

September 8, 2009: MLB Debut

On September 8, 2009, the Orioles purchased Justin Turner's contract. He made his major league debut that day at Fenway Park, pinch hitting 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 assigned to Triple-A Norfolk after being invited to spring training as a non-roster invitee.

April 12, 2010: Recalled by the 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

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: Recalled to the Mets

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

May 15, 2011: First Major League 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 after Ruben Tejada went on the injured list.

2013: Free Agent

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

February 5, 2014: Signs 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: Plays 109 Games for the Dodgers

In 2014, Justin Turner played 109 games for the Dodgers, leading the team with a .340 batting average.

January 16, 2015: Signs Contract with Dodgers

On January 16, 2015, Justin Turner signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the 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 for a .526 average.

January 2016: Avoids Salary Arbitration

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: Signs with Dodgers

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

2016: Career Highs

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

2017: All-Star and NLCS MVP

In 2017, Justin Turner was an All-Star and won the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award with the Dodgers.

January 22, 2019: "Justin Turner Day" declared by Los Angeles

On January 22, 2019, the Los Angeles City Council declared it "Justin Turner Day" in recognition of his civic contributions.

2019: Season Performance

In 2019, Justin Turner batted .290/.372/.509 with 27 home runs and 67 RBIs. He had a defensive rating of -3.

2020: World Series Win with Dodgers

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

February 19, 2021: Re-signs with Dodgers

On February 19, 2021, Justin Turner re-signed with the Dodgers on a two-year, $34 million contract, with a $14 million option for a third year.

August 29, 2021: Pitching Debut

On August 29, 2021, Justin Turner made his pitching debut in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' game against the Colorado Rockies, throwing 10 pitches for three outs and receiving a standing ovation.

2021: All-Star Selection

In 2021, Justin Turner was selected as an All-Star while playing for the Dodgers.

2022: Season Performance

In 2022, Justin Turner appeared in 128 games for the Dodgers, batting .278 with 13 homers and 81 RBIs, and had the slowest sprint speed of any major league third baseman.

2022: Awarded Roberto Clemente Award

In 2022, Justin Turner was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award after being nominated five times for his humanitarian efforts.

2023: Dodgers Decline 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: Signs with Toronto Blue Jays

On January 30, 2024, Justin Turner signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming the 5th-oldest player in the American League that year.