Cubs fans, Justin Turner is heading to the North Side on a one-year, $6 million contract, pending a physical. That’s right—the 40-year-old MLB veteran is still going strong.
Chicago is banking on him to add some stability and experience to a roster that’s looking to make a postseason push.
There’s another $2.5 million in incentives built into the deal. If there’s one thing Turner has proven over the years, it’s that he can still rake.
Turner Can Still Swing the Bat
Let’s be clear: Turner isn’t the player he was during his prime Dodgers years, but the guy can still hit. Last season, he split time between Toronto and Seattle, posting a .737 OPS with 24 doubles and 11 home runs.
These are not eye-popping numbers but are still well above league average, with a 117 wRC+. And for those who like their stats with a side of late-season momentum, Turner was especially hot down the stretch with the Mariners, slashing .295/.396/.449 in September.
That kind of veteran presence can make a difference for a team hoping to play meaningful baseball in October.
Where Does Turner Fit in Chicago?
So, what’s his role with the Cubs? Well, don’t expect him to be an everyday guy.
Turner will be more of a utility piece, backing up both first and third base while providing a veteran bat off the bench. This signing comes after the Cubs swung and missed on Alex Bregman, who opted for Boston instead.
They also reportedly explored a trade for Nolan Arenado, but let’s be real—the Cardinals were never going to send him to a division rival. That left Turner as the best option, and Chicago jumped at the chance to add a battle-tested veteran.
Of course, Turner’s days as a full-time third baseman are behind him. He’s played just a handful of games at the hot corner over the past two seasons.
He has been transitioning more into a first base/DH role. But here’s where things get tricky: those spots are already filled in Chicago.
Michael Busch is set to start at first base. Seiya Suzuki—arguably the team’s second-best hitter behind Kyle Tucker—is penciled in at DH.
That means Turner’s playing time will likely come in a platoon role, especially if Busch continues to struggle against left-handed pitching.
And if injuries strike, Turner becomes an even more valuable piece, able to slot in at multiple positions when needed.
Cubs Third Base Conundrum
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this signing is what it says about the Cubs’ third base situation. Top prospect Matt Shaw seems like the frontrunner for the job, but he’s yet to play a single MLB game.
President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has made it clear that Shaw isn’t guaranteed the starting role. The alternatives—Jon Berti, Vidal Brujan, and Rule 5 pick Gage Workman—aren’t exactly surefire solutions.
Enter Turner. He’s not a long-term answer at third, but he does give the Cubs another option if Shaw needs more time to develop.
This is a classic low-risk, high-upside move for Chicago. Turner is a seasoned veteran who knows how to hit, brings leadership to the clubhouse, and adds depth to a team that still has some question marks.
He might not be the game-changing star Cubs fans were hoping for, but he’s the kind of guy who can help a team win when it matters most.
