Justin Turner: Everything you need to know

Turner's agent, Greg Genske, said Monday that his client wants to continue his playing career in 2026, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. Turner slashed just .219/.288/.314 with three homers across 80 regular-season contests in 2025 with the Cubs and will turn 41 later this month. The right-handed batter did have a decent .759 OPS versus left-handed pitching, so he could land a contract as a short-side platoon bat.

Turner became a free agent Thursday after his $10 mutual option for 2026 was declined. It's unclear whether Turner or the Cubs passed on the option first, but either way, the veteran will be paid a $2 million buyout and head into free agency. Turner slashed just .219/.288/.314 with three homers across 80 regular-season contests in his lone year with the Cubs. Turner will turn 41 later this month and might have a difficult time landing a major-league contract this winter, assuming he wants to continue his playing career.

Turner will start at first base and bat leadoff Monday in Game 2 of the NLDS in Milwaukee, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. The right-handed-hitting Turner is expected to get one plate appearance against lefty opener Aaron Ashby before being replaced by the left-handed-swinging Michael Busch. Turner slashed .219/.288/.314 in 80 games for the Cubs this season and will be making his first appearance this postseason.