The Dodgers’ trip to Tokyo is about to feel less like a baseball series and more like a movie premiere. Japanese fans are buzzing with excitement to see their country’s biggest MLB stars take center stage. But before the main event, Justin Turner is enjoying a sneak preview. The Cubs’ veteran has already landed, diving into the culture and giving fans a glimpse on X.

Justin Turner’s picture donning the traditional Japanese kimono went viral over social media. It is something not expected from Turner, but it shows his cultural acceptance. Turner’s early arrival in Tokyo also proves his desperation to go big for one last time this year. Yes, Turner is 40 now and in a one-year contract with the Cubs. There is very little chance to witness him in action in the next year. Even at this age, Turner played a total of 139 games in 2024 for the Mariners and Blue Jays, amassing 11 homers and 55 RBIs!

Could Turner make a mark in the Tokyo series? He does have a golden opportunity to find his rhythm without the usual pressure. And with the Dodgers making their first-ever trip to Japan, this showdown is already shaping up to be special. Could this be Turner’s moment to go all guns blazing—maybe for one last time?

That said, it’s not just about him. The Dodgers are absolutely stacked this season, and while Turner’s experience is invaluable, the bigger question is: Are the Cubs ready to take them on? Turner alone can’t carry the load, and facing a team this loaded means Chicago needs more than just a good game—they need a statement.

Could the Cubs with Turner face the mighty Dodgers?

All bets are on the Dodgers this year to get back the World Series ring for the second consecutive year. All hail to their offseason activities, where the best and most contended talents ended up with the Dodgers. Remember Roki Sasaki? Their pitching squad looks something like this: Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Bobby Miller, and Clayton Kershaw, to name a few. Shohei Ohtani is waiting to get back to pitching. Enough to create terror on the field. So, where do the Cubs stand in front of this attack? 

The Cubs aren’t exactly short on firepower, but Justin Turner might not even crack the starting lineup. Their offseason stunner—landing Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly—stole the spotlight, and for good reason. With Tucker’s arrival, a once-competent Cubs lineup has suddenly transformed into one of the most dangerous position-player groups in the NL.

But that’s not all. Top prospect Matt Shaw is set to make his much-anticipated debut, adding even more excitement to this revamped squad. Meanwhile, Pressly steps in to anchor a bullpen that desperately needed a veteran presence. As for the rotation? It’s looking formidable with three high-impact southpaws: Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Matthew Boyd.

The Cubs might not have the same star power as the stacked Dodgers, but they’re bringing a seriously upgraded roster into the Tokyo Series.

With this lineup, the Cubs will surely take the fight to the Dodgers. A competitive rivalry is awaited in the Tokyo Dome this month. A long-awaited teaser of what is coming this season. 

So, what do you think about the Dodgers-Cubs game in Tokyo?