It’s news in the sense that it is a transaction that occurred today, but this is one of those deals that was always going to happen.
**Justin Turner is a free agent**
As expected, Justin Turner has officially become a free agent. The Chicago Cubs declined his $10 million team option for the 2026 season, opting instead to pay the $2 million buyout.
When the Cubs signed Turner to join their bench last year, the contract structure included this option, but it was really just a way to push out $2 million of the salary in the form of a buyout. This outcome was essentially preordained.
Turner will turn 41 later this month. This season with the Cubs, he posted a .219/.288/.314 slash line with a 71 wRC+ over 191 plate appearances. Those numbers aren’t impressive for a player valued primarily for his bat. However, the picture improves considerably when looking at his performance against left-handed pitching, where he hit .276/.330/.429 with a 112 wRC+. Beyond the statistics, Turner’s clubhouse presence was clearly a huge asset for the team.
The Cubs likely feel they got their money’s worth from the original deal, which totaled $6 million. They will surely wish Turner well in whatever comes next. It could be another bench role, a minor league deal, or perhaps retirement.
Regardless of what the future holds, Cubs fans will always remember Turner’s two walk-off winners for the team this year.
https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2025/11/06/cubs-buy-out-justin-turner-who-becomes-a-free-agent/