Chicago Cubs Sign Veteran Justin Turner to a One-Year, $6M Deal

Cubs, INF/DH Justin Turner reportedly agree to deal, per multiple reports including @MLBNetwork insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/I2ivdoyoTS

— MLB (@MLB) February 18, 2025

Turner, who is coming off a season in which he split his year between the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners now joins a Cubs team who looked at him as the team’s plan B if the Bregman deal didn’t pan out.

Having played in 1,678 MLB games since joining the league in 2009, it’s safe to say Turner can bring a much-needed dose of veteran experience and clubhouse leadership to Chicago.

The question is, considering Turner’s age and the rise of Cubs 3rd base prospect Matt Shaw, what role will he be expected to play this coming season?

In case you were wondering what Justin Turner in a Cubs uniform might look like… pic.twitter.com/rqKb5MWBrL

— Uncle Jeff (@ebsoftball) February 18, 2025

Can’t say I hate the look though.

Don’t Let Age Fool You, Turner Can Still Play Ball

As soon as news broke out of Turner joining the Cubs, questions on whether the former LA Dodgers cult hero still had it in him to become an immediate impact player in Chicago started surfacing.

For Cubs fans, who for the most part are still living off the team’s historic 2016 World Series win hoping the team can bounce back into contention again, seeing the team turning to Turner after failing to land Bregman could be seen as a setback.

But don’t count the old man out just yet.

“He’s someone that we can really learn a lot from … he’s just such a pro at what he does.”

Dansby Swanson on Justin Turner. pic.twitter.com/lLP3l7PSRc

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 18, 2025

At 40 years old, Turner still showed he has firepower left in his swing, posting a .259 batting average, hitting 24 doubles, 11 home runs, bringing in 55 RBI, scoring 59 runs, and holding a solid 1.5 WAR. Considering the league’s batting average last season stood at .312, the vet could become a solid option for DH alongside Seiya Suzuki.

Me after every Justin Turner base hit pic.twitter.com/g2RETE81Tw

— Joey (Suzuki Truther) (@suzukiplshomer) February 18, 2025

In short, while defensively speaking I wouldn’t take Turner’s betting odds to take over any starting infield positions for the Cubbies, as a solid option coming off the bench, and especially regarding plate appearances, as a Cubs fan I’m all for bringing in the red-haired veteran.

Is Chicago Done Spring Shopping?

It’s understood that Chicago was not going to be a heavy-hitter (pun intended) in this offseason’s free agency market.

Considering having to compete with teams like the New York Mets, who broke the internet with Juan Soto’s deal, the Dodgers, Turner’s former team, and with who he had the most success, who brought in players like Blake Snell to continue beefing up an already stacked roster, there was no easy way for the Cubs to navigate this market.

While MLB rumors sites did throw out the idea of Chicago going after Nolan Arenado, what started as a rumor would end in that, just a rumor.

So, is it safe to say the Cubs are done dealing?

After adding Kyle Tucker back in December, considered the team’s biggest move this offseason, maybe it’s safe to say the Cubs are done.

FIRST LOOK: Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cub pic.twitter.com/BXn4kPdgxo

— MLB (@MLB) February 17, 2025

Will it be enough for Chicago to become a force for MLB picks and predictions fans? Not overwhelmingly, but hey, there’s no harm in believing.