Justin Turner has built a reputation across baseball as one of the sport’s most respected veterans — a leader in the clubhouse, a consummate professional, and a player whose presence can steady a roster. But this week, as he officially entered free agency, Turner delivered something far more emotional than anything he contributed on the field.
Before departing the Chicago Cubs and exploring his next chapter, Turner released a heartfelt public message addressed to Cubs players, staff, and the millions of fans who filled Wrigley Field throughout the season. It was a farewell letter that felt less like a goodbye and more like a reflection of gratitude, connection, and the unexpected bond he formed in Chicago.
Turner, whose $13 million option was bought out by the Cubs, acknowledged that baseball is a business — but he also made it clear that this stop meant far more than another chapter in a long career. “This place welcomed me in a way I’ll never forget,” Turner wrote. “You made Chicago feel like home, even when home was far away.”
For fans, the message resonated deeply. Turner played the game with toughness and professionalism, delivering key at-bats and veteran leadership throughout the year. But beyond statistics, his impact came from intangibles — the steadying voice in the dugout, the presence younger players leaned on, the quiet class that made him a fan favorite.
In his letter, Turner specifically acknowledged Wrigley Field, describing the “electricity that hits you the second you walk up the dugout steps.” He thanked the stadium staff, clubhouse attendants, teammates’ families, and the fans who waved signs, shouted encouragement, and treated him like one of their own.
One line stood out: “I didn’t expect to love this city the way I do now.”
Inside the Cubs organization, Turner’s departure was met with both understanding and appreciation. Executives praised his professionalism. Younger players said he made them better. One coach described him as “a glue guy — the type every winning team needs.”
But the emotional response came from fans, many of whom took to social media to express their gratitude. They shared photos of Turner signing autographs, hugging children in the stands, and tipping his helmet to the bleachers. Some wrote that they hoped the Cubs would circle back and bring him back on a new deal. Others simply thanked him for respecting the city and its baseball culture.
Turner’s message also hinted at personal reflection. After more than a decade in the majors, the veteran infielder has experienced the highs of championship chases and the uncertainty of change. His year in Chicago, he said, reminded him why he loves the game — and why fan bases like the Cubs’ make it meaningful.
Whether Turner signs elsewhere or eventually returns to Chicago remains unknown. But his farewell letter made one thing clear: he didn’t leave quietly. He left with gratitude, emotion, and respect — and that is what fans will remember.
For now, Justin Turner begins his offseason as a free agent. But in the hearts of Cubs fans, he will always remain part of the Wrigley family.
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