Justin Turner has had an eye on a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers basically ever since he left. Turner confessed that he hoped his playing career would end with the Dodgers in some form, but that won't happen this season. The Dodgers were never thought to be a suitor for Turner this offseason, and it turns out, his next stop is outside of Major League Baseball.
Turner has signed with the Tijuana Toros in the Mexican League. If nothing else, it's an opportunity for him to live up to the nickname he had during his time in LA.
Source confirms Justin Turner has signed to play with Tijuana Toros in Mexican League. 🇲🇽 #Dodgers Teammates used to refer to JT as "Rojo Chingon” pic.twitter.com/RWDHvyFQ6g
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) April 11, 2026
Turner spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs, and he was credited as being an influential voice for Pete Crow-Armstrong. On the field, the hope was that he could be a platoon partner for former Dodgers prospect Michael Busch, but his results left much to be desired. The 41-year-old slashed .219/.288/.314 with a 71 wRC+.
Justin Turner's not ready for the Dodgers' curtain call just yet
Turner still had success against lefties last year, posting a 112 wRC+ in 109 plate appearances. While the thought was that the 2025 season would be his last, he was holding out hope to find a new team during the offseason. Instead, no team came calling.
The problem with Turner's desire is that he fits a very singular role on a team. Turner still has success against lefties, but considering he likely would be aiming to make around the $6 million he earned with the Cubs last season, there should be more to his profile. At this point in his career, he can't play against right-handed pitchers, is no longer capable of playing third base regularly, and isn't exactly an ideal defensive option at first base.
Hitting lefties can certainly be a valuable trait, but for Turner, that being the only thing he does well is likely the reason why he has an extended stay on the free-agent market. It's possible that, with an impressive run in the Mexican League, Turner polishes off his profile in time for a contending team to take a chance on him later this season. But, for now, it seems that the next time Dodgers fans will see him is when he is ready to hang up his cleats for good.
