Justin Turner (infielder), well known to domestic fans as a former Los Angeles Dodgers teammate of Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha Eagles), will continue his playing career in the Mexican League.
On the 12th (Korean time), according to a report by MLB Trade Rumors, which covers Major League Baseball transactions, Turner is taking on a new challenge instead of retiring. He signed with the Tijuana Toros of the Mexican League and will continue playing.
Turner, born in 1984, debuted in the big leagues in 2009 and through last year appeared in 1,785 games with a .283 batting average (5,709 at-bats, 1,617 hits), 201 home runs, 832 RBIs and 811 runs scored.
The outlet reported, "Last year, Turner had a limited role as a first baseman and designated hitter with the Chicago Cubs and posted a disappointing 71 wRC+. He showed competitiveness against left-handed pitchers with an OPS of .759, but his batting average against right-handed pitchers was only .141 and he did not record a home run."
It was the first season in more than 10 years that his steady offensive production was broken.
Turner played for seven teams during his 17-year major league career. Over the past three years he was with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs, but he is still best remembered for his time with the Dodgers.
Early in his career he was an ordinary utility player, but he rose to stardom with the Dodgers. In 2014 he made his presence felt with a .340/.404/.493 slash line, and in 2016 he became the full-time starting third baseman and hit a career-high 27 home runs. He later finished in the top 10 in National League MVP voting twice and was selected to the All-Star team twice.
From 2017 through 2020 the Dodgers reached the World Series three times in four years, and Turner served as a key player. In 83 career World Series plate appearances he posted an OPS of .849, and in the shortened 2020 season he contributed to the team's championship. At that time he hit .320/.346 in the series
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