Justin Turner signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday and joined the team for a workout before their first spring training game.
Turner has the opportunity to earn up to an additional $2 million in bonuses this season: $1.5 million based on plate appearances and $500,000 for time spent on the active roster. He would also earn a $500,000 bonus if he gets traded.
A two-time All-Star third baseman, Turner worked out at first base on Thursday. Last season, he played for Toronto and Seattle, starting 40 games at first base and four at third, hitting .259 with 11 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a .354 on-base percentage in 139 games.
“At this point in my career, what matters most is joining a team that wants to win, that will do whatever it takes to compete,” Turner said. “The goal is to make the playoffs, and then have a chance to win another championship. I love playing, talking baseball, and being with the guys, but ultimately, it’s all about winning.”
The 40-year-old will provide the Cubs with depth at third base behind rookie Matt Shaw, who has been dealing with a left oblique issue this spring. Turner could also back up Michael Busch at first and fill in for Seiya Suzuki as the designated hitter.
“Justin has been a solid hitter in this league for a long time,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “He’ll mostly be used off the bench at first, but you never know how things will unfold during the season.”
Turner’s contract includes a $4 million salary, along with a $10 million mutual option for 2024 that includes a $2 million buyout.
He can earn $125,000 for every 350 plate appearances, with additional payouts for each 25 appearances up to 475. He would also earn $250,000 for 500, 525, and 550 plate appearances. Additionally, Turner gets $250,000 for being on the active roster for 120 and 150 days and receives a hotel suite during road trips.
To make room for Turner on the roster, the Cubs designated outfielder Alexander Canario for assignment.
The Cubs finalized the deal with Turner after pursuing Alex Bregman in free agency. They were in the running for the two-time All-Star before Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox last week.
Turner is a career .285 hitter over 16 MLB seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Baltimore, Boston, Toronto, and Seattle. He has 198 home runs and 814 RBIs in 1,678 games and was part of the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship team.
Canario, 24, was acquired by the Cubs in the trade that sent Kris Bryant to San Francisco at the 2021 trade deadline. Having no minor league options left, he played just 21 games with the Cubs over the last two seasons, hitting .286 with two home runs and eight RBIs.
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