The Chicago Cubs officially signed Justin Turner to a one-year, $6 million deal, after which he participated in team workouts ahead of their spring training opener.
Turner, a two-time All-Star third baseman, also took reps at first base. Last season, he started 40 games at first for Toronto and Seattle, along with four starts at third. Across 139 games, he hit .259 with 11 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a .354 on-base percentage.
The 40-year-old Turner offers the Cubs depth at third base, especially with young Matt Shaw sidelined by a left oblique injury this spring. He can also serve as a backup to Michael Busch at first base and contribute as the team’s designated hitter. Turner has the potential to earn an additional $2.5 million in bonuses.
The Cubs designated outfielder Alexander Canario for assignment to clear a spot on the roster.
Chicago finalized its deal with Turner after initially targeting Alex Bregman in free agency, but he ultimately signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox.
Turner has a .285 career batting average over 16 MLB seasons with the Dodgers, Mets, Orioles, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Mariners. Across 1,678 games, he has recorded 198 home runs and 814 RBIs. He also played a key role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship.
Canario, who has no remaining minor league options, joined the Cubs in the 2021 trade deadline deal that sent Kris Bryant to San Francisco. The 24-year-old outfielder has played in just 21 games over the past two seasons with Chicago, posting a .286 batting average with two home runs and eight RBIs in his brief MLB stint.
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