When the Chicago Cubs traded for Houston Astros outfielder and four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker in December, it seemed to indicate the team would actively pursue trades and free-agent opportunities throughout the offseason. Fast forward two months, and the roster remains largely unchanged since Tucker’s acquisition, with the Cubs unable to secure a deal for a starting pitcher and missing out on free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. However, the Cubs experienced a positive shift on Tuesday by signing third baseman Justin Turner to a one-year contract.
The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney broke the news first, stating:
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 reported that the contract is worth six million dollars for one year, along 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 played three unremarkable seasons. After the 2013 season, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and transformed his career over the next nine seasons, becoming a fan favorite and winning the 2020 World Series. During his tenure with the Dodgers, he maintained a .296 batting average, with 156 home runs and 574 runs batted in. Turner made two All-Star teams, being recognized in 2017 and 2021; his 2017 season was particularly impressive, as he hit .322 with 21 home runs and was instrumental in leading the Dodgers to their first World Series appearance since 1988.
Notably, Turner was named the 2017 NLCS MVP after the Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs in five games, hitting a memorable walk-off three-run home run in game two, giving Los Angeles a 2-0 series lead heading back to Chicago. Following the 2022 season, Turner entered free agency, played for the Boston Red Sox in 2023, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2024 season, and was traded to the Seattle Mariners during that same season.
Reactions on social media were abundant following the signing.
In case you were wondering what Justin Turner in a Cubs uniform might look like… pic.twitter.com/rqKb5MWBrL
— Uncle Jeff (@ebsoftball) February 18, 2025
Justin Turner is mainly your backup 1B/DH, not an everyday guy. Hasn’t played much third lately but we know he’s obviously done it. While he’s old and could easily fall off, this isn’t a primary solution. (Just hope for no big injuries or Shaw oblique complications)
— Alex Patt (@chifanpatt2) February 18, 2025
1yr $6 million for Justin Turner to the Cubs. I can’t believe the Mariners didn’t pay this. This would’ve been a no-brainer on a one year deal again. Give him the $6 or $7M. Big L by the Mariners. Again. pic.twitter.com/0sr7JeDBtp
— Seattle Mariners ON Tap (@MarinersONTap) February 18, 2025
Justin Turner is the old guy catching on your slow pitch softball team that can still hit bombs.
— Donuts (@CptnDonuts) February 18, 2025
