When the Chicago Cubs traded for Houston Astros outfielder and four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker in December, it suggested the team would actively compete in the trade and free agency markets throughout the offseason. Fast forward two months, and the roster appears largely unchanged since Tucker’s acquisition. The Cubs were unable to secure a trade for a starting pitcher and missed the opportunity to sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. However, the Cubs experienced a positive shift on Tuesday when they signed third baseman Justin Turner to a one-year contract, as first reported by The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney.
The Chicago Cubs are close to an agreement with Justin Turner, a source briefed on the negotiations told The Athletic. Turner, 40, is a highly accomplished hitter who wants to play in Chicago and will bring extensive playoff experience to the club.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) February 18, 2025
Shortly thereafter, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman confirmed that the contract is for one year, valued at six million dollars, with additional incentives.
Turner gets $6M plus $2.5M in incentives, not bad for 40 https://t.co/1IhOwMHOh8
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 18, 2025
Turner began his career in 2009 with the Baltimore Orioles but was waived in 2010 and subsequently picked up by the New York Mets, where he had three unremarkable seasons. Following the 2013 season, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, transforming his career trajectory. Over the next nine seasons with the Dodgers, he became a fan favorite and contributed to their 2020 World Series victory. During his time in LA, Turner posted a batting average of .296 with 156 home runs and 574 runs batted in, earning All-Star selections in 2017 and 2021.
The 2017 season marked a career highlight for Turner, who batted .322 with 21 home runs and played a crucial role in leading the Dodgers to their first World Series appearance since 1988. He was named the 2017 NLCS MVP after the Dodgers eliminated the Chicago Cubs in five games, famously hitting a walk-off three-run home run in Game 2, giving the Dodgers a commanding 2-0 series lead heading to Chicago.
After the 2022 season, Turner entered free agency, spent 2023 with the Boston Red Sox, and signed with the Toronto Blue Jays before the 2024 season, later being traded to the Seattle Mariners during that same season.
