Chicago continues to add bats as they set their sights on the playoffs in 2025.
The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with veteran free agent Justin Turner, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports that the deal is a one-year contract worth $6 million, and he was also the first to indicate that negotiations were nearing completion.
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Despite being 40 years old, Turner remained a productive hitter throughout the 2024 season while splitting time between the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. He showcased his trademark plate discipline and contact skills, hitting 24 doubles and 11 home runs while posting a .737 OPS and a 117 wRC+. His bat was particularly effective down the stretch for Seattle, where he slashed .295/.396/.449 with a 143 wRC+ in September. Given his continued offensive output, there's little reason to doubt that Turner can still contribute meaningfully to a team with playoff ambitions.
Turner has played enough games to qualify for the batting title in each of the past four seasons, but he is expected to transition into more of a part-time role with the Cubs. According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Chicago envisions Turner as a backup at first and third base, a role the team had been exploring after missing out on star free agent Alex Bregman. The Cubs were reportedly a finalist in the Bregman sweepstakes before he ultimately signed with the Boston Red Sox.
While Turner was primarily a third baseman earlier in his career, he has seen only limited action at the position over the past two seasons. Instead, he has shifted into a first base/designated hitter role. However, the Cubs already have those spots accounted for, with promising young slugger Michael Busch manning first base and Seiya Suzuki, arguably the team’s second-best hitter behind Kyle Tucker, locked in at DH. Given this roster construction, Turner is likely to serve as a versatile bench piece, offering depth at multiple positions while also providing a reliable bat off the bench.
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Additionally, Turner could serve as insurance for the Cubs in case of injuries. If either Tucker or Ian Happ is sidelined, Suzuki could shift to the outfield, allowing Turner to slot in at DH. His presence also gives the team more stability at third base, a position that remains somewhat uncertain heading into the season. Top prospect Matt Shaw is currently the favorite to win the third base job out of spring training, but the 23-year-old has yet to make his major league debut. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has made it clear that Shaw is not guaranteed the starting role, leaving room for competition.
Beyond Shaw, Chicago lacks clear-cut alternatives at third. Jon Berti and Vidal Bruján have major league experience at the position but are not viewed as everyday players. Meanwhile, Rule 5 draft pick Gage Workman remains an unknown factor, having never played above Double-A. While Turner may not be a long-term solution at third base, his experience and offensive skill set will strengthen the team’s infield depth and provide a steady veteran presence as the Cubs aim for their first playoff berth since 2020.
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