Justin Turner has proposed an intriguing perspective on the recent reversal of the New York Yankees’ long-held hair policy.

On Friday, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner announced that for the first time in nearly five decades, players and uniformed staff members will be permitted to maintain well-groomed beards, a departure from the previous rule established by his father, George Steinbrenner, which had only allowed mustaches.

Known for his signature long red beard, Cubs infielder Justin Turner shared his thoughts on this significant policy shift during an interview with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

Turner humorously expressed that the change was “about time” and playfully suggested that former Red Sox and Dodgers teammate Alex Verdugo, who was with the Yankees last season, might have influenced the decision.

“I can’t help but wonder what prompted this change,” Turner remarked. “Did someone’s appearance without a beard look so unappealing that they decided to switch things up? Was it Alex Verdugo? He definitely looked rough.”

When Verdugo joined the Yankees, he had to forgo his usual beard and significantly restrict the number of chains he wore during games.

“It was a challenge for me, honestly, because I typically wear around three or four chains,” Verdugo shared last April.

In his sole season with New York, the left fielder had a tough year, finishing with a .233 batting average, 13 home runs, 61 RBIs, and a career-low .647 OPS, all while still delivering solid defensive performances.

Verdugo is currently a free agent, and during the Yankees’ World Series run, he recorded just a .208 batting average but managed to contribute eight RBIs.

Turner expressed skepticism about the necessity of the previous rule, stating, “I don’t see how enforcing such a rule improves anyone’s performance on the baseball field. Sure, we’re professionals, but it’s 2025, and players should have the freedom to express themselves a little.”

Steinbrenner emphasized that this change ultimately aims to enhance the quality of the team on the field.

“For my father, winning was always the top priority,” Steinbrenner articulated during a press conference Friday morning. “If someone had suggested that maintaining this old policy could hinder our ability to acquire the players we want, I believe he might have been more open to a change than people realize, simply because it was about achieving victories.”