Turner, who turned 40 in November, is heading to the North Aspect after spending final season with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners.
Regardless of his age, the veteran infielder was nonetheless productive in 2024, posting an above-average 114 OPS+ (100 is league common) in 539 plate appearances. Turner is probably not the All-Star he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a few years, however he can nonetheless rake.
The Cubs had been out there for infield depth after their pursuit of Bregman fell brief. It is comprehensible that they did not need to pay Bregman near $40M per season, and arguably did higher in some respects by touchdown Turner at a a lot decrease annual wage.
Bregman is a superior participant to Turner, however by way of worth, it is laborious to dislike paying $6 million for a participant who remains to be productive on the plate and versatile within the subject. (Turner may play first base.).
However how will Chicago deploy Turner? It is wanting like he’ll play a mixture of first base and designated hitter, although the Cubs might give the one-time World Collection champion (Los Angeles Dodgers 2020) time on the scorching nook, per Mooney’s report.
“The Cubs can pair Turner, a right-handed hitter, with first baseman Michael Busch and get him further at-bats as a delegated hitter. Turner has primarily performed third base throughout his 16-year profession, although it’s unclear to what extent the Cubs would use him at that place, given his age and their hopes for prime prospect Matt Shaw.”
Regardless, Turner is a savvy veteran addition who will add expertise and management to a Cubs crew that seeks its first postseason look since 2020 and first Nationwide League Central division title since 2017.
