After failing to land top free agent Alex Bregman, the Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement to sign 40-year-old infielder, sources told the Chicago Tribune on Tuesday. According to The Athletic, which first reported the deal, Turner will join the team on a one-year, $6 million contract. The move was well received in the Cubs clubhouse, as Turner’s reputation as a hard-working, winning player makes him a strong addition to a veteran-heavy roster.
“He’s been a really good player for a long time,” shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “We can learn a lot from him—his experience and professionalism will really benefit this group, especially from an offensive standpoint.” Left fielder Ian Happ praised His ability to maintain consistency into his late 30s, noting how he has “reinvented himself, played for a long time, and succeeded at the highest level.”
Turner’s arrival could ease the transition for rookie Matt Shaw, who is expected to start at third base, though Turner will primarily serve as a backup for first baseman Michael Busch, a designated hitter, and a veteran bat off the bench. With Nico Hoerner recovering from offseason flexor tendon surgery, Turner is unlikely to play second base unless absolutely necessary. While he has spent most of his career at third, he has recently played a mix of first base, second base, third base, and DH.
Swanson emphasized that Turner’s presence will benefit the entire team, not just Shaw. The signing also effectively puts an end to speculation about the Cubs reuniting with Anthony Rizzo, who remains unsigned. A career .285 hitter with a 124 OPS+, Turner proved he still has plenty left in the tank by batting .297 with an .818 OPS in the second half of 2024 for the Blue Jays and Mariners. He wrapped up last season with a .259 average, 11 home runs, and 55 RBIs over 139 games. A two-time All-Star, he was only two years removed from a 23-homer, 96-RBI season with the Red Sox.
Cubs fans are familiar with Turner from his nine-year tenure with the Dodgers, where he earned MVP honors in the 2017 NLCS after helping eliminate Chicago. His walk-off, three-run homer in Game 2 of that series proved pivotal in the Dodgers’ 4-1 victory.
After missing out on Bregman, who signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox, Cubs President Jed Hoyer noted they had some remaining budget “for small in-season things.” The Turner signing fits that category and could be the team’s final key move of the offseason. Hoyer has focused on adding depth after parting ways with several role players, including Mike Tauchman, Miles Mastrobuoni, Patrick Wisdom, and Nick Madrigal.
Happ believes the roster is shaping up well, saying, “The construction of the roster from a position player’s side is really well set up.”