Justin Turner Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Justin Turner

Justin Matthew Turner, often recognized by his distinctive red beard and nicknamed “Red,” is an American professional baseball infielder and designated hitter currently playing for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on November 23, 1984, in Long Beach, California, Turner has carved out a remarkable career known for his clutch hitting, versatility, and profound leadership on and off the field. He is a two-time MLB All-Star, a World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020, and a recipient of the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2022 for his extensive philanthropic efforts. Turner’s journey in professional baseball has seen him play for multiple teams, evolving from a utility infielder to a cornerstone player and respected veteran.

Justin Turner Overview

Early Life and Education of Justin Turner

Justin Matthew Turner was born on November 23, 1984, in Long Beach, California, to John and Betsy Turner. He has a younger sister. From a young age, Turner harbored a deep love for baseball and was taught the value of hard work to achieve his dream of becoming a major league player. He attended Mayfair High School in Lakewood, California, where he excelled on the baseball field, earning three-time All-Suburban first-team honors as a shortstop and second baseman.

Following his high school career, Turner continued his academic and athletic pursuits at California State University, Fullerton, where he majored in kinesiology, the study of body movement. His collegiate baseball career for the Cal State Fullerton Titans was marked by early success; he earned freshman All-American honors from Baseball America in 2003 after quickly establishing himself as the starting second baseman. Turner also made the 2003 College World Series all-tournament team as a shortstop, showcasing his versatility. In 2004, he was a key member of the Cal State Fullerton team that won the College World Series championship, defeating Texas in a two-game final. His performance during this period solidified his reputation as an outstanding young talent. In 2005, he played collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.

Turner was initially drafted by the New York Yankees in the 29th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft, but he chose not to sign, instead opting to complete his senior year at CSUF. The following year, he was selected in the seventh round (204th overall) of the 2006 MLB draft by the Cincinnati Reds, which marked the official start of his professional baseball career.

Justin Turner’s Career

Justin Turner’s professional baseball journey has been characterized by perseverance, a mid-career resurgence, and consistent high-level performance. After being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2006, he began his Minor League career, where he consistently proved to be a productive hitter. He earned Rookie All-Star honors from Baseball America in 2006 and was recognized as a post-season All-Star in both 2006 and 2007.

Turner made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on September 8, 2009, with the Baltimore Orioles, pinch-hitting and playing third base. He spent parts of two seasons with the Orioles before being designated for assignment in May 2010 and subsequently claimed by the New York Mets.

New York Mets (2010–2013)

With the Mets, Turner spent four seasons, primarily as a utility infielder. He hit his first major league home run on May 15, 2011, against the Houston Astros, capping a five-RBI day. He was named NL Rookie of the Month for May 2011, becoming the first Met to receive the award since its inception in 2001. Despite his contributions, Turner was non-tendered by the Mets after the 2013 season, making him a free agent.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2014–2022)

Being released by the Mets proved to be a pivotal moment in Turner’s career. He signed a minor league contract with his hometown team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, prior to the 2014 season. This move marked a significant turning point, as he transitioned from a super utility role to becoming a crucial part of the Dodgers’ success. In 2015, he became the team’s starting third baseman, hitting .294 with a then-career-high 16 home runs and 60 RBI. He excelled in the 2015 National League Division Series, leading the Dodgers with a .526 average.

Turner’s performance continued to ascend. In 2016, he played a career-high 151 games, setting new personal bests with 27 home runs and 90 RBI. His emergence led to him re-signing with the Dodgers on a lucrative four-year, $64 million contract that winter.

The 2017 season was a breakthrough year for Turner, earning him his first career All-Star selection after receiving a record-breaking 20.8 million votes in the Final Vote. He finished the season with an impressive .322 batting average, .415 on-base percentage, 21 home runs, and 71 RBI, ranking among the National League leaders in several categories. He was also named co-MVP of the 2017 National League Championship Series (NLCS), batting .333 with two homers and seven RBI, leading the Dodgers to their first World Series appearance since 1988.

Turner continued to be a stalwart for the Dodgers, receiving MVP votes for three consecutive years (2016-2018). In the shortened 2020 season, he played in 42 games, batting .307 with four home runs and 23 RBI. He was voted the Roy Campanella Award winner by his teammates, becoming the first player to win it three times (2017, 2019, 2020). More significantly, in 2020, Justin and his Dodger teammates became World Series Champions, with Turner hitting two home runs in the series.

During the 2020 World Series, Turner was controversially pulled from Game 6 after testing positive for COVID-19, but returned to the field for the team’s celebratory photo, a decision for which he later expressed regret. In 2021, he made his pitching debut, throwing three scoreless outs in one appearance. He played in 151 games that year, batting .278 with 27 home runs and 87 RBI, earning his second All-Star selection. In 2022, he split time between third base and designated hitter, batting .278 with 13 homers and 81 RBI in 128 games. Following the 2022 season, the Dodgers declined his $16 million option, making him a free agent.

Boston Red Sox (2023)

In January 2023, Turner signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, with a player option for 2024, earning $15 million for the season. He played primarily as a designated hitter, appearing in 146 games and hitting .276 with 23 home runs and 96 RBI. He was voted the team’s MLBPA 2023 Heart and Hustle Award winner. On November 3, 2023, he opted out of his contract, becoming a free agent again.

Toronto Blue Jays & Seattle Mariners (2024)

On January 30, 2024, Turner signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. During the 2024 season, he played in 91 games for the Blue Jays, batting .250 with 6 home runs and 31 RBI. Later in the 2024 season, he was traded mid-season to the Seattle Mariners.

Chicago Cubs (2025–Present)

As of the 2025 MLB season, Justin Turner is a member of the Chicago Cubs. He signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Cubs on February 20, 2025. In his 17th Major League season, Turner joined the Cubs with the goal of competing for a playoff spot and another championship, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. He primarily serves as an infielder and designated hitter. On July 8, 2025, Turner hit his 200th career home run. He hit his first walk-off home run on August 3, 2025, in a 5-3 Cubs win over the Orioles.

Justin Turner Personal Life & Family

Justin Turner’s personal life is closely intertwined with his family and a strong commitment to community service. He married his longtime girlfriend, Kourtney Pogue, in December 2017. Their wedding, officiated by former Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser, took place at a beachfront resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.

Kourtney Pogue, born on October 31, 1986, in Chesterton, Indiana, has a background in acting, appearing in TV series such as “No Other High School Show” (2007) and “Untold Stories from the ER” (2004). She studied psychology at UCLA and was an NHL Ice Girl for the LA Kings.

Justin and Kourtney first met at an event in Los Angeles in 2012. They maintained a long-distance relationship while Turner was with the New York Mets and Kourtney was in LA, frequently communicating via phone and visiting when possible. Their relationship grew stronger, enduring the challenges of a demanding baseball career.

In July 2024, Justin and Kourtney welcomed their first child, a son named Bo Jordan Turner. The couple announced his arrival on Instagram, noting he was born “like a firecracker on the 4th of July” and is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.

The Turners reside in Studio City, Los Angeles. Beyond his immediate family, Justin’s parents are John and Betsy Turner, and he has one younger sister. Kourtney is also actively involved with the Justin Turner Foundation, serving as its Vice President and playing a key role in fundraising and organizing events.

Awards and Achievements of Justin Turner

Justin Turner has accumulated an impressive list of awards and achievements throughout his MLB career, highlighting his impact both on the field and within the community.

• 2× MLB All-Star: 2017, 2021
• World Series Champion: 2020 (Los Angeles Dodgers)
• NLCS MVP: 2017 (Co-MVP with Chris Taylor)
• Roberto Clemente Award: 2022 (MLB’s most prestigious individual award for character, community involvement, and philanthropy)
• Roy Campanella Award: 2017, 2019, 2020 (First Dodger to win three times) (Award voted on by uniformed Dodgers personnel for spirit and leadership)
• MLBPA Heart and Hustle Award: 2023 (Boston Red Sox)
• NL Rookie of the Month: May 2011
• College World Series Champion: 2004 (Cal State Fullerton)
• College World Series All-Tournament Team: 2003
• Freshman All-American: 2003 (Baseball America)
• Dodgers All-Time Postseason Leader: Games (86), Runs (43), Hits (85), Doubles (19), RBI (42), Home Runs (tied, 13)

Justin Turner Net Worth and Income

As of July 2025, Justin Turner’s estimated net worth is approximately $20 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his long and successful career in Major League Baseball, including multi-million-dollar salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals.

Throughout his career, Turner has signed several significant contracts. Notably, he signed a lucrative four-year, $64 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, which substantially boosted his net worth. In 2023, his salary with the Boston Red Sox was $8.3 million. For the 2024 season, he signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, with potential to earn up to $14.5 million through performance and roster bonuses. In 2025, he signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, with a base salary of $4 million and a $500,000 incentive bonus, totaling $4.5 million for the year.

Beyond his baseball earnings, Turner also benefits from endorsement deals and strategic investments. While specific details of these endorsements are often private, his prominence in baseball and strong fan base make him an attractive partner for brands. In June 2024, he became a brand equity partner for The Beard Club, aligning with his distinctive red beard. Like many successful athletes, it is highly probable that he has diversified his investments into various ventures, such as real estate or other businesses, contributing to his long-term financial security.

Legacy and Influence

Justin Turner’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive on-field statistics. He is widely recognized as a tenacious competitor, a clutch performer, and a respected clubhouse leader. During his nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he became known as the “heart and soul” of the team, playing a crucial role in their consistent success, including the 2020 World Series championship.

His influence is particularly significant in the realm of philanthropy and community involvement. In 2016, Justin and his wife Kourtney founded the Justin Turner Foundation (JTF), a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting homeless veterans, children battling life-altering illnesses, and various youth baseball programs. The foundation regularly partners with organizations like The Dream Center to provide essential resources and support. Their efforts have been widely recognized, including contributions of over 70,000 toys and 14,000 bicycles to children in the Los Angeles area, and frequent visits to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and Cedars Sinai Hospital.

In recognition of his charitable deeds, the Los Angeles City Council declared January 22, 2019, as “Justin Turner Day.” His dedication to giving back culminated in him receiving the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2022, MLB’s highest honor for character, community involvement, and philanthropic contributions. This award underscores his profound impact beyond the baseball diamond, embodying the spirit of the game through his positive contributions to society.

As a veteran presence, Turner continues to influence younger players, providing leadership and sharing his extensive experience. His story is one of perseverance and transformation, evolving from a non-tendered utility player into a revered figure in MLB, inspiring both aspiring athletes and the wider community.

Interesting Facts about Justin Turner

• Justin Turner is famously recognizable by his fiery red beard, which has become a personal trademark.
• He was initially drafted by the New York Yankees in 2005 but chose not to sign, opting to finish his college education.
• Turner majored in Kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton, focusing on the study of body movement.
• He earned freshman All-American honors in 2003 after quickly becoming the starting second baseman for the Cal State Fullerton Titans.
• In 2017, he set a record for the now-defunct MLB Final Vote, receiving 20.8 million votes to earn an All-Star spot.
• During his time with the Dodgers, teammates referred to him as the “heart and soul” of the team.
• He made a brief pitching appearance in 2021, throwing 10 pitches for three outs and giving up no runs, earning a standing ovation.
• His son, Bo Jordan Turner, born on July 4, 2024, is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.
• The Los Angeles City Council declared January 22, 2019, “Justin Turner Day” in honor of his charitable work.
• In June 2024, he became a brand equity partner for The Beard Club.
• As of 2025, he is in his 17th Major League season, bringing significant veteran experience to the Chicago Cubs.

Controversies

While largely known for his positive contributions, Justin Turner has been involved in a few notable controversies during his career:

• 2020 World Series COVID-19 Protocol Violation: During the eighth inning of Game 6 of the 2020 World Series, Turner was pulled from the game after testing positive for COVID-19. Despite MLB protocols requiring him to isolate, he returned to the field to celebrate the championship with his teammates and staff, including taking the official celebratory photo. This action drew widespread criticism from many in the media for violating health protocols, especially given the context of the pandemic. Turner later expressed regret for his decision, stating it was a mistake and that he would have acted differently if he had the chance.
• “Inappropriate Celebration” with Chicago Cubs (2025): In June 2025, while with the Chicago Cubs, Turner was involved in a viral celebration that some media outlets deemed “inappropriate.” During a segment for “Fan of the Game” on the Cubs’ broadcast, Turner was shown celebrating a home run by teammate Seiya Suzuki by jumping up and down while wearing what appeared to be a fake pair of testicles. This incident garnered attention and debate among MLB fans.
• Critique of Seattle Mariners (2025): After his stint with the Seattle Mariners in 2024, Turner made candid comments regarding the team’s spending habits and commitment to winning in an interview. His remarks, echoed by ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney, highlighted the Mariners’ “desperate need for hitting” despite a strong pitching staff, sparking discussion within the baseball community.

Social Media Presence

Justin Turner maintains an active presence across several social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing updates on his career, personal life, and philanthropic efforts. His wife, Kourtney, also frequently shares their journey on social media.

• Instagram: Justin Turner (@redturn2) – (Specific follower count not provided in search results, but typically in the hundreds of thousands for a player of his caliber)
• Twitter (X): Justin Turner (@redturn2) – (Specific follower count not provided in search results, but typically in the hundreds of thousands)

Through these platforms, fans can stay informed about Justin Turner’s current status, his contributions to the Chicago Cubs, and the ongoing work of the Justin Turner Foundation.

Final Words about Justin Turner

Justin Turner’s career is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of seizing opportunities. From being a late-round draft pick and a non-tendered utility player, he transformed into one of Major League Baseball’s most respected and impactful figures. Currently serving as a veteran infielder and designated hitter for the Chicago Cubs in the 2025 season, Turner continues to bring valuable experience, leadership, and the potential for clutch moments to his team.

Beyond his significant on-field achievements, including two All-Star selections, an NLCS MVP award, and a World Series championship, Turner’s most enduring legacy is arguably his profound commitment to philanthropy. Through the Justin Turner Foundation, he and his wife Kourtney have made substantial contributions to various communities, earning him the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2022. His dedication to supporting homeless veterans, children with life-altering illnesses, and youth baseball programs showcases a character that transcends the game itself.

Looking ahead, Justin Turner remains a respected voice in baseball, embodying the spirit of hard work, adaptability, and community service. His journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that perseverance and a commitment to giving back can lead to lasting influence both within and outside the sport. As his career progresses, his impact as a player, leader, and humanitarian will undoubtedly continue to be recognized and celebrated.