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 also played for the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners in his MLB 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 Yankees (Did Not Sign)

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: Signed with the Cincinnati Reds

In 2006, Justin Turner was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball draft and signed with the organization for a $50,000 bonus.

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 Season

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

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 finishing the game at third base.

2009: MLB Debut with Baltimore Orioles

In 2009, Justin Turner made his Major League Baseball debut with the Baltimore Orioles.

2009: Triple-A Norfolk Season

In 2009, Justin Turner played mostly second and third base for Triple-A Norfolk, finishing the year with a .300 average and a .749 OPS.

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

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

May 25, 2010: Claimed by Mets

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

April 19, 2011: Recalled to Mets

On April 19, 2011, the Mets recalled Justin Turner 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, a three-run home run that capped 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: Non-Tendered by Mets

After the 2013 season, Justin Turner was non-tendered by the New York 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: Dodgers Season

In 2014, Justin Turner played 109 games for the Dodgers, leading the team with a .340 batting average, hitting seven home runs, and recording 43 RBI.

January 16, 2015: Signed One-Year Contract

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

2015: Led Dodgers in NLDS

In the 2015 National League Division Series, Justin Turner led the Dodgers with a .526 average and a record six doubles, but the Dodgers lost the series. After the season, he had knee surgery.

January 2016: New Contract with the Dodgers

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

December 23, 2016: Signed Four-Year Contract

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

2016: Career High Season

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

2017: All-Star and NLCS MVP

In 2017, Justin Turner earned a spot in the MLB All-Star Game after winning the All-Star Final Vote with a record 20.8 million votes. He batted .322 with 21 home runs and was the co-MVP of the National League Championship Series. The Dodgers lost to the Houston Astros in the World Series.

2019: 2019 Season Performance

During the 2019 season, Justin Turner batted .290/.372/.509 with 27 home runs and 67 RBIs, with a -3 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS).

2020: World Series Win

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

2020: World Series Win and Controversy

In the 2020 World Series, Justin Turner helped the Dodgers win the championship. However, he was pulled from Game 6 after testing positive for COVID-19 and later returned to the field to celebrate with the team, violating MLB protocols, which led to criticism.

February 19, 2021: Re-Signed with Dodgers

On February 19, 2021, Justin Turner re-signed with the Dodgers on a two-year, $34 million contract, including 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 a 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 an All-Star while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2022: Split Time at Third Base and DH

In 2022, Justin Turner split his time between third base and designated hitter, appearing in 128 games with a .278 batting average, 13 homers, and 81 RBIs.

2022: Roberto Clemente Award

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

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 the Toronto Blue Jays

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