After missing out on Alex Bregman in free agency, the Chicago Cubs quickly pivoted to veteran infielder Justin Turner, reportedly nearing an agreement with him on Tuesday, per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
“The Chicago Cubs are close to an agreement with Justin Turner, a source briefed on the negotiations told The Athletic. Turner, 40, is a highly accomplished hitter who wants to play in Chicago and will bring extensive playoff experience to the club,” Mooney reported.
Shortly after, Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation confirmed that Turner had officially signed with the Cubs.
“According to @thekapman and me, the Chicago Cubs have signed free-agent Justin Turner. Great pivot after whiffing on Alex Bregman,” Cerami posted.
Turner split the 2024 season between two teams, beginning the year with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year, $13 million contract before being traded to the Seattle Mariners before the July deadline in exchange for outfielder RJ Schreck. Across both stops, Turner posted a solid .259/.354/.383 slash line with 11 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a 114 OPS+ over 139 games and 539 plate appearances.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73900125/2174519513.0.jpg)
One factor influencing Turner’s decision to join the Cubs was the appeal of Wrigley Field, as well as Chicago’s proximity to Indiana, the home state of his wife, Kourtney, according to Mooney.
Although Turner’s prime years are behind him, his experience and consistent bat could benefit the Cubs. Chicago’s offense ranked 16th in MLB with a 22.3 percent strikeout rate and 13th with a .311 wOBA in 2024. Meanwhile, Turner posted a 17.6 percent strikeout rate and a 10.9 percent walk rate last season.
A two-time All-Star, Turner spent nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning a World Series in 2020 and finishing ninth in NL MVP voting in 2016. He has also played for the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox.
Be the first to comment