US EditionCubs Allow Justin Turner to Become Free Agent, Agree to New Deal with Colin Rea
Turner’s 2025 performance included a .219 batting average with a -0.1 bWAR, prompting the Cubs to decline his $10 million 2026 option and pay a $2 million buyout.
- On Thursday, Justin Turner became a free agent after the Chicago Cubs declined a $10 million mutual option for 2026, and he will receive a $2 million buyout.
- Turner struggled overall, slashing.219/.288/.314 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 80 games, posting a-0.1 bWAR and showing decline versus right-handed pitching.
- Used in a platoon role, Justin Turner hit.276/.330/.429 for Michael Busch and provided a veteran clubhouse presence, including an August 3 pinch‑hit walk‑off.
- Chicago retained right‑hander Colin Rea by agreeing to a one‑year contract with a $5.5 million salary for 2026 and a $7.5 million club option for 2027 as Turner became a free agent.
- Given his 17 major league seasons, Justin Turner’s expiring contract paid $4.25 million this year and included a $6 million option for 2026; he turns 41 on Nov. 23, with 201 homers and 832 RBIs.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Associated Press News
Cubs allow Justin Turner to become free agent, agree to new deal with Colin Rea
Infielder Justin Turner became a free agent after the Chicago Cubs declined a $10 million mutual option, and the team agreed to a $6.5 million, one-year contract to retain right-hander Colin Rea.
Justin Turner becomes free agent after Cubs decline mutual option
CHICAGO — Infielder Justin Turner became a free agent Thursday after the Chicago Cubs declined a $10 million mutual option, and the team agreed to a $6.5 million, one-year contract to retain right-hander Colin Rea. Turner will receive a $2 million buyout as part of a contract that included a $4 million salary this year. A first baseman and third baseman who turns 41 on Nov. 23, Turner hit .219 with three homers and 18 RBIs in 80 games. Turner is…
Justin Turner Becomes Free Agent
Infielder Justin Turner is headed into free agency after his mutual option with the Cubs was declined, according to an announcement by the Major League Baseball Players Association this morning. It’s not clear who between Turner and the Cubs declined their end of the option, but either way Turner will be paid a $2MM buyout rather than a $10MM salary for 2026. Turner, 41 later this month, had his first below-average season in over a decade in 202…
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