As the 2025 baseball season came to a close, Justin Turner found himself at a crossroads in his career. After a challenging year with the Chicago Cubs, where he posted a disappointing .219 batting average with three home runs and 18 RBIs, Turner was looking for a fresh start. On the cusp of his 41st birthday, he made a significant decision that would take him south of the border.
In early October 2025, Turner signed with the Tijuana Toros of the Mexican Baseball League. This move marks a new chapter for the veteran player, who has had a storied career in Major League Baseball (MLB). Turner, who played nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2014 to 2022, was a key contributor to the team’s 2020 World Series championship. Reflecting on his time in Los Angeles, Turner stated, “I think it’s pretty obvious that the biggest chunk of my career came in LA with those nine years.”
During his time with the Dodgers, Turner earned two All-Star selections and became a fan favorite for his clutch performances and leadership on the field. However, his recent performance with the Cubs, where he struggled with a 71 wRC+ in part-time roles at first base and designated hitter, raised questions about his future in the league.
Despite the challenges he faced in 2025, Turner remains optimistic about his new opportunity in Tijuana. In a statement upon joining the Toros, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I just want to let you know that I am fired up to join the team and to bring another championship back down to Cerro Colorado.” This sentiment reflects his desire to contribute meaningfully to his new team and continue playing the game he loves.
As of now, Turner is gearing up for the upcoming season with the Toros, where he hopes to revitalize his career. The Mexican Baseball League offers a different competitive environment, and many players have successfully transitioned to this league later in their careers. For Turner, this could be an opportunity to regain his form and showcase his skills on a new stage.
For fans and followers of Turner, this sequence of events is significant. It highlights the resilience of an athlete who, despite facing adversity, is determined to continue his career. His journey from the Dodgers to the Cubs and now to the Toros illustrates the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the constant evolution of a player’s career.
As Turner embarks on this new adventure, the baseball community will be watching closely. His legacy in MLB is already established, but how he performs in the Mexican league could add another chapter to his storied career. Whether he can bring the same passion and success to the Toros remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Justin Turner is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet.