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 MLB. Turner is known for his hitting ability, particularly in clutch situations, and his strong defensive skills at third base. He had a prominent role with the Los Angeles Dodgers, contributing to their success, including a World Series championship in 2020. He is recognized as a leader and a key player on any team he is on.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2001: NL Rookie of the Month creation

In 2001, Justin Turner was the first Met to win the NL Rookie of the Month award, a prize that was first created in 2001.

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.

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, along with Ryan Freel and Brandon Waring, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Ramón Hernández during the Winter Meetings.

2008: Double-A Chattanooga

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

September 8, 2009: Major League Debut

On September 8, 2009, Justin Turner's contract was purchased by the Orioles, and he made his major league debut at Fenway Park, pinch-hitting for Melvin Mora.

2009: Assigned to Triple-A Norfolk

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

2009: MLB Debut with Baltimore Orioles

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

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 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 after Ruben Tejada went on the injured list.

2013: Free Agency

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, after being seen by Tim Wallach.

2014: Played 109 games with Dodgers

In 2014, Justin Turner played 109 games for the Dodgers, leading 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 Dodgers, avoiding salary arbitration.

2015: NLDS Performance

In the 2015 National League Division Series, Justin Turner led the Dodgers with 10 hits in 19 ABs, achieving a .526 average and setting an LDS record with six doubles.

January 2016: Signed Contract to Avoid 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: Signed Four-Year Contract 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, also achieving career highs in home runs (27) and RBI (90), while batting .275.

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.

2017: All-Star Final Vote Winner

Justin Turner won the All-Star Final Vote in 2017 with 20.8 million votes and finished the season with a .322 batting average and 21 home runs. Turner and Chris Taylor were selected as the co-MVPs of the 2017 National League Championship Series.

2019: 2019 Season Stats

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

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 the Dodgers

On February 19, 2021, Justin Turner re-signed with the 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 the Dodgers' 5–0 loss to 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.

2022: Split Time Between Third Base and Designated Hitter

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

2022: Roberto Clemente Award

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

January 6, 2023: Signed with Boston Red Sox

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

2023: Dodgers Declined Option

On November 10, the Dodgers declined his $16 million option for the 2023 season, making him a free agent.

January 30, 2024: Signed with Toronto Blue Jays

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

June 2024: Became part-owner of Beard Club

In June 2024, Justin Turner became a part-owner and ambassador for Beard Club. His distinctive red beard contributed to his nickname "Red" and social media handle, "Redturn2."