MESA, Ariz. – The Chicago Cubs have officially signed infielder Justin Turner to a one-year major league contract. To accommodate Turner on the 40-man roster, the Cubs have designated outfielder Alexander Canario for assignment, keeping the roster at its limit of 40 players.
Justin Turner, Age 40:
- Career Stats: .285 batting average, 1,580 hits, 347 doubles, 9 triples, 198 home runs, 814 RBIs, .363 on-base percentage, .821 OPS over 1,678 games.
- Teams: Orioles (2009-10), Mets (2010-13), Dodgers (2014-22), Red Sox (2023), Blue Jays (2024), Mariners (2024).
- Achievements: 2x All-Star (2017, 2021), World Series Champion (2020), 2017 NLCS Co-MVP, 2022 Roberto Clemente Award winner.
- Games Played Rankings: 10th among active players.
- Doubles: 14th among active players.
- Hits: 19th among active players.
- Consistency: From 2013-23, one of two players to average at least .275 in each season.
- Power Hitter: At least 20 home runs in five seasons and 80 RBIs in four.
Turner debuted in the majors with Baltimore in 2009, later joining the Mets via waivers in 2010, where he played four seasons. His best seasons were with the Dodgers, beginning in 2014 when he hit a career-high .340 and posted impressive OBP (.404) and SLG (.493) numbers. In 2017, Turner made his first All-Star appearance and finished eighth in N.L. MVP voting. He led the Dodgers to the World Series and was named NLCS Co-MVP.
Turner played a key role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series victory with a .307 batting average in the regular season and clutch performances in the postseason. He earned his second All-Star appearance in 2021 with the Dodgers before joining the Red Sox in 2023 and then splitting 2024 between the Blue Jays and Mariners.
Personal Background:
- Born in Long Beach, Calif.
- Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round in 2006 out of Cal State Fullerton.
- Co-founded the Justin Turner Foundation in 2016 with his wife, Kourtney, to support homeless veterans, children with life-altering illnesses, and youth baseball.
Alexander Canario, Age 24:
- Played 21 games for the Cubs, batting .294 with one double, one triple, one home run, and six RBIs.
- Made his MLB debut on September 6, 2023.
The signing of Turner adds a veteran presence and proven performer to the Cubs’ infield.
