The Chicago Cubs have indeed had a busy MLB offseason. They traded Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, but quickly replaced him with three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros ¹. Tucker agreed to a one-year, $16.5 million contract, avoiding arbitration.
The Cubs also bolstered their pitching staff by signing free agent starting pitcher Matthew Boyd, who had a strong season with the Cleveland Guardians. Additionally, they signed veteran right-handed slugger Justin Turner to a $6 million deal, further enhancing their roster ².
Other notable moves by the Cubs include acquiring pitcher Ryan Pressly from the Astros, signing catcher Carson Kelly, and adding infielder Jon Berti to their lineup ¹ ². With these additions, the Cubs are shaping up to be a competitive team in the 2025 season
Justin Turner, a 16-year MLB veteran, had a notable 2023 season. He started with the Toronto Blue Jays, playing 91 games before being traded to the Seattle Mariners at the deadline.
Turner’s MLB journey began with the Baltimore Orioles in 2009. He then got his first substantial opportunity with the New York Mets from 2010-2013, appearing in 301 games.
A pivotal moment in Turner’s career came in 2013 when he entered free agency and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his nine-season tenure with the Dodgers, Turner became the franchise’s all-time leader in postseason hits, RBI, and home runs (tied with Max Muncy and Corey Seager).
Dansby Swanson is thrilled about the Chicago Cubs signing Justin Turner, citing the veteran’s vast experience and professionalism as key assets to the team. Swanson believes that Turner’s presence will have a significant impact on the team, particularly in terms of mentoring younger players like Matt Shaw ¹.
Swanson also praised Turner’s ability to reinvent himself as a player, noting that he’s been able to adapt and thrive throughout his 16-year MLB career ². With Turner on board, the Cubs are gaining not only a skilled player but also a seasoned leader who can help shape the team’s culture and mindset.
As Swanson put it, having players like Turner who have extensive postseason experience can be a game-changer. “The more people that you get like that, the better off you’re going to be, because they understand what it takes,” Swanson said ².
Justin Turner, the 40-year-old veteran, may not be in his prime anymore, but he still managed to deliver a respectable performance last season. Playing for both Seattle and Toronto, Turner posted a 114 OPS+, which is a notable achievement considering his age ¹.
It’s worth noting that Turner has consistently been a reliable hitter throughout his career, with a lifetime batting average of .285 and an OPS of .821. While he may not be the same player he was during his peak years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Turner still brings a wealth of experience and skill to the table.
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