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Justin Turner, 41-Year-Old, Dodgers Legend, Isn’t Retiring Just Yet
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Oct 11, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) at a press conference before game one of the NLDS of the 2022 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Former Los Angeles Dodger Justin Turner is 41 years old, but he’s still not done playing.
Turner is currently playing for the Tijuana Toros, as none of the MLB teams wanted to sign him — or even invite him to spring training, as reported by Sam Blum and Dennis Lin of The Athletic.
“I was kind of shocked,” Turner told The Athletic. “To not get a non-roster invite, that was tough and disappointing.
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“I know where the game’s going, and a lot of weight is put into a data sheet. Part of my tool set that I bring, you won’t find on a data sheet. I knew that, at some point, those opportunities were going to dry up, but I didn’t think it was going to be not even a non-roster invite.”
Instead, he’s making his mark at Toros Mobil Park, though he and many others feel he’s not done yet with MLB.
Justin Turner has a future in baseball even after he’s done playing
He’s often mentioned as a future coach or manager, something even his wife, Kourtney Turner, believes 100%.
Oct 11, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) at a press conference before game one of the NLDS of the 2022 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
But that’s the future. For now, Turner remains a player.
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“I’ve always said I’m going to play as long as I can and make someone rip a jersey off me,” he said. “I love playing, I love being around guys, love being around the cage. I still feel really good in the box. On top of that, my family, my wife loves the games and loves coming to games. So I mean, baseball is not going anywhere, and whatever it is that I’ll do when I’m done playing isn’t going anywhere.”
The exact timing of that remains an open question.
Turner told The Athletic his family is a priority, and a lot will depend on finding the right fit, not just the first opportunity.
“I definitely think I’ll remain in the game for a long time,” Turner said. “The question is, is the time right? And how much time is that going to pull me away from my sons? It depends on the role and the situation. I think time will tell what happens. I’m not mapping anything out.”
