The Cincinnati Reds entered last season with virtually no veteran presence among their position players. Aside from catcher José Trevino, the team’s young core lacked an experienced leader to lean on. That could change in 2026 if former Reds prospect Justin Turner returns to Cincinnati. Turner has made it clear he wants to keep playing, and the Reds are reportedly one of the teams he’s most interested in. During last week’s GM Meetings, he told reporters, “I’ve always wanted to play for Terry Francona.”
Turner spent 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, where he appeared in 80 games and hit .219/.288/.314 with three homers and 18 RBI. While last season was a struggle, his career numbers paint a different picture: a .283/.360/.454 slash line with 201 home runs, 832 RBI, and a 122 OPS+.
Terry Francona’s arrival could be a major draw for Turner.
Turner isn’t the type of big bat Cincinnati ideally needs this winter, but given their limited payroll, he could still be a practical addition to a young, developing roster.
Though primarily a third baseman, Turner can no longer handle the position defensively — but that’s not a problem for the Reds with Gold Glover Ke’Bryan Hayes locked in at third. Turner has also played first base and could fill a designated hitter role similar to the one Miguel Andújar held late in 2025.
Some Reds fans may roll their eyes at signing a 41-year-old whose power and bat speed have clearly diminished. But his leadership could be invaluable for players like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain. The World Series champion Dodgers saw major postseason contributions from veterans such as Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas, and Turner could provide that same stabilizing presence in Cincinnati.
Given his age and down year, Turner’s next contract is unlikely to be expensive. If he’s open to a one-year, incentive-heavy deal, the Reds might be willing to bring him aboard — and fulfill his wish to play for a future Hall of Fame manager next season.
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