Report: Justin Turner, Cubs Agree to Contract After Alex Bregman Joins Red Sox

Justin Turner is on the move yet again after receiving a contract from the Chicago Cubs.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported Turner and the Cubs agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract on Tuesday. Rogers also noted the Cubs plan to use Turner as their backup at first and third base after pivoting to find an extra infielder when Alex Bregman signed with the Boston Red Sox.

The Athletic's Patrick Mooney first reported an agreement between Turner and the Cubs was close. David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 and Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation then reported the deal was done.

This was the second consecutive offseason that Turner was free agency. He signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays last year.

Turner hit .276/.345/.455 with 23 homers and 96 RBI in 146 games for the Red Sox during the 2023 campaign. It was the seventh consecutive season he's had a batting average of at least .270, on-base percentage of at least .340 and slugging percentage of at least .430.

The Toronto Blue Jays signed Turner as a free agent. He played well for them with a .257/.351/.373 slash line, but Toronto's struggles led the team to trade him to the Seattle Mariners on July 29 for the stretch run.

Turner wound up hitting .264/.363/.403 in 48 games for the Mariners.

Even though Turner is primarily relegated to being a DH at this stage of his career, he is capable of playing first and third base if needed.

Ultimately, Turner's value is going to come from his bat. He remains an above-average hitter after posting a 114 OPS+last season. His power output has declined, but he still walks and gets on base at a good clip.

The Cubs are banking on Turner's bat to add more depth to their lineup. He can be a quality role player for the club as they look to make a postseason push in 2025.

Michael Busch will be the starting first baseman in Chicago to open the season. Top prospect Matt Shaw has the inside track to be the starter at third with a good spring training.

Turner's reliable presence at the plate offers the Cubs some insurance if either Busch or Shaw falters out of the gate, or if the organization wants to give Shaw a little more time in the minors since he has just 35 games of experience at Triple-A.