Justin Turner Becomes Free Agent
Justin Turner is entering free agency after his mutual option with the Chicago Cubs was declined. The Major League Baseball Players Association announced the news without specifying which party declined the option.
Instead of receiving a $10 million salary for 2026, Turner will be paid a $2 million buyout. The infielder, who will turn 41 later this month, experienced his first subpar season in more than a decade during 2025.
2025 Season Performance
Turner appeared in 80 games with 191 plate appearances, hitting .219/.288/.314 and posting a wRC+ of 71. Mostly serving as a bench player for the Cubs, his main role was as a platoon partner at first base alongside lefty Michael Busch.
Performance Against Pitching Types
- Against left-handed pitching, Turner performed solidly, slashing .276/.330/.429 with a 112 wRC+ in 109 plate appearances.
- However, his numbers against right-handed pitchers were very poor: .141/.232/.155 with a 16 wRC+ in 82 plate appearances.
That's the worst production against right-handed pitching among hitters with at least 70 trips to the plate against righties this year.
These struggles resulted in a negative Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to both Fangraphs and Baseball Reference for the 2025 season.
Summary
Turner's declining performance, particularly against right-handed pitching, led to the Cubs declining his option, making him a free agent after a solid but limited role in 2025.
Author’s note: At age 41, Turner's recent struggles reflect the natural decline expected, shifting his career toward a role player status or fresh opportunities in free agency.