Nobody told this former Cub it’s over — wild 2026 return in the works

Most of the 2025 season felt like Justin Turner's retirement. The Chicago Cubs signed Turner to round out their bench, and the 40-year-old veteran turned into a platoon option at first base during the regular season. Craig Counsell turned to Turner against left-handed pitchers, and while he served his purpose against southpaws, his overall production left a lot to be desired.

When it was revealed last week that Turner hit free agency after his 2026 mutual option was declined, the expectation was that retirement would be in his future. Towards the end of the 2025 season, it seemed that Turner had gravitated toward being an additional coach on Counsell's staff instead of an option on the bench, but it seems that he is not ready to end his playing career.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that Turner is planning to play next season. As mentioned, Turner was a fine option against left-handed pitchers last season. All 3 of his home runs last season were against lefties, while he also posted a slash line of .276/.330/.429 with a wRC+ of 112.

The issue is that Turner's inclusion in the lineup often meant Michael Busch was removed from the starting lineup, and it seems that Busch has ascended to the point where he should remain in the lineup regardless of the lineup.

Despite the impression of a retirement tour, Justin Turner plans to play in 2026 and the Cubs should stay away.

In a role where he is on the bench and gets the occasional start against a left-handed pitcher, Turner could be an option for a contending team next season. That said, teams likely won't race out to sign the aging veteran. If anything, like last season, Turner may need to wait until spring training before finding a new team.

There likely isn't a scenario where the Cubs entertain the idea of bringing Turner back next season. He was a great presence in the clubhouse, but for a team that is always mindful about what they are spending, they don't need a sequel act.

As it stands, Moises Ballesteros will probably be the primary bat off the bench for the Cubs. Instead of signing a veteran to replace Turner and serve as a backup to Busch at first base, Jonathon Long could be on the inside track after spending the entire 2025 season with the Iowa Cubs. Long, the Cubs' No. 7 prospect, seems ready for a look at the Major League level.