The Chicago Cubs signed utility player Justin Turner to a one-year $6 million contract on Tuesday morning. The deal reportedly includes $2.5 million in incentives. He had a respectable 2024 campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. He hit .259 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI in 2024.
Turner will provide a veteran presence to a rebuilding Chicago Cubs team. He will also serve in a backup role for the Cubs at first and third base. He can also serve as the team’s Designated Hitter during the regular season. Will Turner be a positive for the Chicago Cubs this season?
Chicago Cubs Season Outlook
Justin Turner goes to the Cubs pic.twitter.com/heqsx0jR7P
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 18, 2025
Chicago is coming off a mediocre regular season that led to them missing the MLB Playoffs for the fourth straight season. They responded to a disappointing season by having a relatively quiet offseason. A few of the moves they made this offseason were signing Starting Pitchers Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea, and acquiring Relief Pitcher Ryan Brasier. Their flashiest move was acquiring Right Fielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros for multiple key young players.
The biggest move the Chicago Cubs made this offseason had to do with a player they shipped out of town. They traded Center Fielder Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees in December. It could be another rough season on the North Side of Chicago. The team traded away its best player as they look toward the future.
Final Thoughts
Turner will bring a championship pedigree and a wealth of experience to the Chicago Cubs in 2025. It is not practical to expect much from him as he will be 40 years old this season. He could be used on a part-time basis for a Cubs team looking to find its identity.
