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 in MLB. Previously, he played for the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. Turner is known for his hitting prowess and veteran leadership in the clubhouse, having established himself as a key player throughout his MLB career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: Plays in 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: Drafted by Cincinnati Reds

In 2006, Justin Turner was selected in the seventh round (204th overall) of the Major League Baseball draft by the Cincinnati Reds and received a $50,000 bonus upon signing.

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

By 2008, Justin Turner had been promoted to Double-A Chattanooga. He finished the season, at age 23, with a .289 average and a .792 OPS at that 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 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. He finished 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 New York Mets

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

April 19, 2011: Called up to 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 MLB Home Run

On May 15, 2011, Justin Turner hit his first major league home run against the Houston Astros off Aneury Rodriguez.

May 6, 2012: Platooning at Shortstop

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

2013: Non-tendered by the Mets

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

February 5, 2014: Signed Minor League Contract 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 released from the Mets.

2014: Versatile Role with Dodgers

In 2014, Justin Turner played 109 games for the Dodgers due to his versatility and injuries to other players. He led the team with a .340 batting average.

January 16, 2015: Signed One-Year 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 a .526 average. He later underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after the post-season.

January 2016: New Contract with 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 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 had career highs in games played (151), 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 while playing for the Dodgers.

September 4, 2018: Nominee for Roberto Clemente Award

On September 4, 2018, Justin Turner was named the Los Angeles Dodgers' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing sportsmanship and community involvement.