The Cubs are bringing one of many sport’s most skilled veteran hitters into the fold, asserting Thursday that they’ve signed Justin Turner to a one-year contract. Outfielder Alexander Canario has been designated for project (as was reported earlier as we speak). Turner, a VaynerSports shopper, is reportedly assured $6MM with incentives additionally out there. The assure breaks down as a $4MM wage and $2MM buyout on a $10MM mutual possibility for 2026. As for the incentives, Turner would get $125K for attending to 350, 375, 400, 425, 450 and 475 plate appearances. He’d get $250K for attending to 500, 525 and 550 plate appearances. There’s additionally $250K for 120 and 150 days on the lively roster, in addition to a $500K bonus each time he’s traded.
Regardless of his age, the now-40-year-old Turner remained a productive bat for the Blue Jays and Mariners in 2024. He hit 24 doubles and 11 dwelling runs whereas persevering with to benefit from his plate self-discipline and phone abilities en path to a .737 OPS and 117 wRC+. The righty batter was significantly productive for Seattle in September, slashing .295/.396/.449 with a 143 wRC+. In different phrases, there may be little purpose to doubt that he can nonetheless be a helpful contributor to a crew with postseason aspirations.
Turner has certified for the batting title in every of the previous 4 seasons, however he’ll tackle extra of a part-time function with the Cubs. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers notes that Turner is anticipated to fill a backup function at first and third base. Chicago reportedly thought of many choices for such a job however in the end settled on Turner after lacking out on star third baseman Alex Bregman (per Rogers). The Cubs had been a finalist to signal Bregman earlier than he joined the Purple Sox as a substitute. The crew additionally reportedly thought of buying and selling for Nolan Arenado, though it comes as no shock that the Cardinals weren’t desirous about buying and selling Arenado to a division rival (per The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney).
Primarily a 3rd baseman in his youthful days, Turner has solely performed a handful of video games on the sizzling nook in every of the previous two seasons. As a substitute, he has transitioned to a primary base/DH function. Each of these jobs are already spoken for in Chicago, with promising sophomore Michael Busch at first base and Seiya Suzuki, arguably the crew’s second-best hitter after Kyle Tucker, penciled in at DH. Nonetheless, the Cubs plan to make use of Turner primarily at these two spots, per Mooney; Turner gained’t be lining up at third base with any regularity.
Turner may doubtlessly platoon with Busch at first if the lefty batter struggles in opposition to same-handed pitching. On prime of that, Turner will supply the membership insurance coverage within the case of an damage to Busch, Suzuki, or a nook outfielder; if Tucker or Ian Happ will get harm, Suzuki may play the outfield with Turner taking on as the first DH. Even when everyone seems to be wholesome, the Cubs may give Happ or Tucker the occasional breather and plug Turner in at designated hitter on such days.
With regard to 3rd base, prime prospect Matt Shaw appears to be the almost certainly option to win the job out of camp, however the 23-year-old has but to play a sport on the huge league stage. Thus, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer made it clear that Shaw will not be but assured the beginning job. Nonetheless, the Cubs don’t precisely have a ton of different choices. Jon Berti and Vidal Brujan each have MLB expertise at third, however neither is a starting-caliber participant on the place. In the meantime, Rule 5 choose Gage Workman is himself an unknown amount; he has not performed a sport above Double-A. Turner isn’t an on a regular basis answer, however he’ll no less than enhance the crew’s depth at third whereas offering a high quality bat to deepen the crew’s offense.
Patrick Mooney of The Athletic was first to report that the Cubs and Turner had been finalizing a one-year, $6MM deal. Jon Heyman of The New York Submit confirmed there was an settlement in place and reported the efficiency bonuses, in addition to the complete breakdown.
