Chicago Cubs secure veteran bat: Justin Turner signs 1-year, $6,000,000 deal

The Chicago Cubs bolstered their roster by signing 40-year-old veteran infielder Justin Turner to a one-year, $6,000,000 contract pending a physical. Turner adds experience, leadership, and offense to a Cubs roster trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. With third base and first base played, he adds valuable depth behind Michael Busch and rookie Matt Shaw.


The Cubs have officially signed Justin Turner, adding a seasoned veteran to their roster. Turner will be a reserve at first base and add depth at third, where the Cubs intend to begin rookie Matt Shaw. Although Turner saw only six games at third last year, his veteran presence will provide much-needed stability in the infield. His leadership and postseason experience—86 career playoff games—will be an asset for the Cubs' young core.
Turner is a prolific hitter well beyond his years. In his previous season, he registered a.354 on-base percentage over 139 contests for the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners with 11 home runs and a.259 average. Throughout his 16 seasons of major league service, Turner has held an outstanding.821 OPS, a testament to his power to reach base and plate appearances. Turner's clutchness will provide the depth the Cubs offense seeks to its lineup.

Turner's postseason resume is one of the main factors why Chicago signed him. The ex-Los Angeles Dodgers veteran has been involved in several deep playoff series, earning two All-Star nods and placing in the top-15 in MVP voting three times. The Cubs, who have not made the playoffs in four years, are hoping Turner's experience will lead them back into contention.
Alongside the Turner signing, the Cubs also inked right-hander Chris Flexen to a minor league deal. Flexen, 30, made 30 starts for the Chicago White Sox last season and could provide additional pitching depth if called up during the season.
The signing of Justin Turner represents a strategic adjustment for the Cubs in an attempt to bolster the roster with established leadership and middle-of-the-lineup depth. He is valuable because of his experience, two-way capability, and steady bat. With the spring training taking place, Turner's arrival has the potential to return the Cubs to playoff positioning in 2025.
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