Justin Turner: Walk off home run| Wife| Trade| Position

Justin Turner is not just a reliable MLB infielder—he’s a postseason legend, a beloved fan favorite, and a role model off the field. Whether it’s his signature walk-off home runs, trade sagas, or role versatility in the infield, Turner’s career has been a story of perseverance and impact. Add to that a strong relationship with his wife, Kourtney Turner, and a deep commitment to philanthropy, and you have one of baseball’s most respected figures.

In this article, we’ll explore Justin Turner’s career highlights, personal life, trade journey, and playing position in depth.

Justin Turner’s Walk-Off Home Runs: Moments of Glory

When it comes to clutch moments, Justin Turner has delivered some of the most unforgettable walk-off home runs in MLB playoff history.

NLCS 2017: A Legendary Moment

Turner’s most iconic walk-off home run came in the 2017 National League Championship Series (NLCS). On October 15, 2017, he blasted a three-run homer off the Chicago Cubs’ John Lackey in Game 2, giving the Dodgers a 4-1 victory. The home run came exactly 29 years after Kirk Gibson’s famous walk-off in the 1988 World Series.

Stat Line:

• Pitcher: John Lackey

• Count: 1-0

• Distance: 399 feet

• Exit velocity: 104.2 mph

This homer solidified Turner’s place in Dodgers postseason folklore and earned him the NLCS MVP Award.

Regular Season Heroics

Turner has also been known for his regular season clutch moments. His ability to come through in late innings and pressure situations is a hallmark of his career. Walk-off hits, including singles and doubles, have highlighted his tenure with the Dodgers and beyond.

Justin Turner’s Wife: Meet Kourtney Turner

Behind every successful athlete, there’s often a strong partner, and for Justin Turner, that’s his wife, Kourtney Turner (née Kourtney Pogue).

Love Story

The couple began dating in 2012 and got married in December 2017 in a stunning ceremony in Mexico. Kourtney, a former actress and UCLA alum, has appeared in minor acting roles, but she’s best known for her philanthropic work alongside Justin.

Co-Founders of The Justin Turner Foundation

Together, the Turners co-founded the Justin Turner Foundation, which focuses on supporting:

• Children and families battling life-altering illnesses

• Homeless veterans

• Youth baseball organizations

Their joint efforts have earned them the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing players who demonstrate exceptional community service.

Justin Turner’s Trade and Team Transitions

Turner’s career path in MLB hasn’t been smooth—he was traded, released, and even unsigned before finding his groove in Los Angeles.

Drafted by the Reds

Justin Turner was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 7th round of the 2006 MLB Draft. However, he never played a game for them at the major league level.

Trade to the Orioles (2008)

In 2008, Turner was traded to the Baltimore Orioles as part of a package deal for catcher Ramón Hernández. He made his MLB debut with Baltimore in 2009 but struggled to find consistent playing time.

Claimed by the Mets (2010)

The New York Mets claimed Turner off waivers in 2010. Over the next few years, he played a utility role, earning praise for his hustle and versatility but was non-tendered in 2013.

Dodgers Signing (2014): Career Rebirth

After being released by the Mets, Turner attended a workout in front of Dodgers officials in early 2014 and signed a minor league deal. What followed was one of the biggest underdog stories in MLB:

• Batting .340 in 2014

• Becoming a regular starter by 2015

• All-Star selection in 2017

• NLCS MVP in 2017

Current Team: Boston Red Sox / Free Agency

After leaving the Dodgers in 2022, Turner signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2023 and later joined the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024. Despite aging, Turner has remained a consistent contributor, known for his leadership and experience.

Position: Where Does Justin Turner Play?

Turner’s defensive versatility has been a major asset throughout his career.

Primary Position: Third Base

Turner has played most of his MLB games at third base, where he’s known for his:

• Solid glove

• Strong arm

• High baseball IQ

He ranked among the league leaders in fielding percentage for third basemen multiple seasons.

Other Positions Played:

• Second Base: Early in his career with the Mets and Orioles

• First Base: With the Red Sox and Blue Jays in DH rotation

• Shortstop: Occasionally in the minors and during emergency in MLB

Designated Hitter

In the latter part of his career, especially after the universal DH rule, Turner transitioned into a Designated Hitter role, particularly in Boston and Toronto, allowing him to preserve his bat while managing his physical workload.

Career Stats (As of 2025)

Note: Stats are updated through the 2025 season.

Impact Beyond the Stats

Signature Look

Turner is easily recognized on the field thanks to his long red beard and laid-back Californian vibe, a look that’s become iconic in MLB.

Community Work

• Hosted multiple charity events in L.A., including the Justin Turner Golf Classic

• Supports Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

• Advocated for mental health awareness and veteran reintegration

What Teammates & Coaches Say

“JT is one of the best clubhouse guys I’ve ever been around. He brings calmness and focus. When he’s in the lineup, you feel like you’re always in the game.”
— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“He’s a postseason beast. Give me JT in October every time.”
— Clayton Kershaw

Baseball IQ and Veteran Leadership

One of Turner’s most valuable qualities is his baseball intelligence:

• Excellent pitch recognition

• Smart base-running

• Precise positioning and shifts

These traits have made him not just a player, but a mentor to younger teammates, especially on rebuilding teams like the 2024 Red Sox and 2025 Blue Jays.

Timeline of Key Career Events

What’s Next for Justin Turner?

As of 2025, Turner is nearing the twilight of his MLB career, but his consistent bat, leadership qualities, and postseason experience make him a valuable asset for any team chasing a playoff berth.

Whether he chooses to retire soon or push on for another year, Turner’s legacy is secure—a gritty competitor who beat the odds and delivered when it mattered most.

Final Thoughts

Justin Turner is more than just a power hitter or a clutch postseason performer—he’s a symbol of resilience. From being cut to becoming a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ franchise and now a veteran mentor, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Whether you remember him for his walk-off heroics, his philanthropic heart with wife Kourtney, or his All-Star caliber play at third base, Justin Turner’s impact on the game of baseball is lasting.