Justin Turner, the former Los Angeles Dodgers standout, is making headlines this offseason – not for chasing another major league contract, but for his intention to retire in the uniform where he built his legacy.
Unlike many players who quietly exit the game, Turner is taking a public approach to his career’s conclusion, making it clear that his preference is to officially end his playing days as a Dodger.
Turner, 40, became a free agent after a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs in 2025. The one-year, $6 million deal with Chicago did not produce a late-career resurgence.
Across 169 at-bats, Turner posted a .219 batting average with three home runs and a .602 OPS. Following the season, the Cubs declined their 2026 option, placing Turner back on the open market with retirement increasingly likely.
Despite opportunities to continue elsewhere, Turner’s focus is firmly on the Dodgers, the team where he spent the prime of his career.
“I don’t even want to get down to that yet, but it’s probably a slam dunk that [retiring with the Dodgers on a one-day contract] will happen that way. I don’t know, we’ll see what happens. If there was one [franchise to retire with], I think the obvious one would be the Dodgers,” Turner said during the Justin Turner Foundation Golf Classic.
Celebrating a career in Dodger blue
Turner’s career in Los Angeles spanned nine highly productive seasons, highlighted by multiple All-Star selections and a 2020 World Series championship.
His 2017 campaign stands out as a career peak, when he hit .318 with 25 home runs, 163 hits, and earned the National League Championship Series MVP award. The consistency and leadership Turner displayed in Los Angeles cemented his status as a franchise icon.
After departing the Dodgers following the 2022 season, Turner spent time with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and finally the Cubs. While each stop added to his career narrative, none matched the impact or significance of his time in Los Angeles.
Fans and teammates alike recognize that his most memorable contributions came in Dodger Blue, making a ceremonial return for retirement a meaningful gesture for both Turner and the organization.
Although roster space on the Dodgers’ current team is limited, the club could honor Turner’s wishes with a one-day ceremonial contract, a gesture that has precedent across Major League Baseball. Such contracts allow retired players to officially conclude their careers with a franchise that holds personal or historical significance, without affecting the team’s active roster.
Turner’s announcement has been met with widespread approval from fans, many of whom view it as a fitting tribute to a player who left a lasting mark on the franchise.
“Not as a player. But to retire on a one-day contract is a no-brainer,” one fan commented, echoing the sentiment of many who appreciate Turner’s dedication to the Dodgers.
As the offseason progresses, attention will shift to how the Dodgers choose to honor Turner’s career. While the exact timing and details remain uncertain, the 40-year-old’s desire to retire as a Dodger underscores the enduring connection between a player and the team where he achieved his greatest successes.
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