Veteran Star Finds New Home in Mexican League

Justin Turner, a 41-year-old former Major League Baseball star, has embarked on a new chapter with the Tijuana Toros in the Mexican League. This move comes after he was unable to secure a guaranteed contract, a minor league deal, or even a spring training invitation from any of the 30 MLB clubs. Turner expressed his surprise and disappointment at the lack of interest from major league teams, noting that he didn't even receive a non-roster invite.

Despite his age and the data-driven approach of modern baseball, Turner feels he still possesses the skills to perform at a high level. He stated, "I still feel really good in the box." His career includes 17 seasons in MLB, with nine seasons in Los Angeles, two All-Star selections, and a bWAR of 34.6. He is now playing just two hours away from where he became a fan favorite, a move that offers him continued playing time.

The Tijuana Toros roster also features Wilmer Flores and 14 other players with MLB experience, a common practice in the Mexican Baseball League which permits up to 20 foreign-born players per team. Turner plans to continue playing as long as he can, saying, "I've always said I'm going to play as long as I can and make someone rip a jersey off me."