It’s hard to find too many flaws with the Chicago Cubs right now. After an easy win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, they improved their record to 18-12, leading the NL Central. The pitching staff does have some concerns, especially with Justin Steele sidelined for the season due to injury. However, the offense has been the best in baseball, with Kyle Tucker living up to expectations as the star the Cubs hoped for and young outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong emerging as a bright talent.
Despite the strong performance, there’s always room for improvement—especially with powerhouses like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets competing for the NL pennant. To keep up with these teams, the Cubs need to stay sharp, as any weak spot could be costly. This could signal the end of one of Jed Hoyer’s more questionable offseason decisions.
The Justin Turner Experiment Has Run Its Course
At the time of the signing, the Cubs needed a steady corner bat like Justin Turner, especially with uncertainties surrounding third base, first base, and the designated hitter spot. Turner, coming off a solid 2024 season with a 128 OPS+, seemed like a good fit.
Justin Turner
However, it’s time to move on. At 40, Turner has struggled significantly, posting a poor .163/.283/.163 line in his first 53 plate appearances. Although his plate discipline and contact skills remain strong, he isn’t generating any significant offensive production.
While third base is still unsettled, with top prospect Matt Shaw faltering at the Major League level, there are other viable options. Jon Berti and Vidal Brujan have both contributed offensively and offer defensive versatility and base-running skills—something Turner can’t provide. Cubs manager Craig Counsell even left Turner out of the lineup against a left-handed starter on Tuesday, signaling that Turner’s role with the team is unclear. Given his current performance, it’s hard to argue with that decision.