The Chicago Cubs are bolstering their infield after missing out on Alex Bregman in free agency.
The Cubs agreed to a deal with former All-Star Justin Turner on Tuesday, according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. The deal is for one year and $6 million.
Turner is expected to primarily play first base and designated hitter for the Cubs. He could also play some third base, but the Cubs appear ready to hand that position over to top prospect Matt Shaw.
Turner was reported to be one of the Cubs’ backup plans if Bregman signed elsewhere. That did wind up happening, as Bregman landed with the Boston Red Sox, leaving the Cubs to move on to Turner. They had also been linked to a possible trade with a division rival, but that did not come to pass.
The Cubs will not want to rely too heavily on Turner, who turned 40 last November. He can still provide some punch, however, as he hit .259 with 11 home runs last season between Toronto and Seattle.
The other good news for the Cubs is that Turner will not be intimidated by expectations or the pressures of playing in a large market. He was a two-time All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he won a World Series there in 2020. He also boasts a lifetime .830 OPS in playoff games.
The Cubs have every intention of trying to contend in 2025, particularly after making one massive addition via trade. Bregman might have been the flashier option, but Turner should be a good fit in Chicago as they embark on their mission to make the postseason for the first time since 2020.
