The Chicago Cubs have been active this MLB offseason, making several key moves. They traded 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees but quickly found a replacement in three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Acquired from the Houston Astros, Tucker avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $16.5 million contract. The Cubs also strengthened their rotation by signing free-agent pitcher Matthew Boyd, who had a strong resurgence with the Cleveland Guardians.
On Tuesday, Chicago added another veteran presence, signing right-handed slugger Justin Turner to a $6 million deal, as reported by Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Turner started last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, playing in 91 games before being traded to the Seattle Mariners at the deadline. A 16-year MLB veteran, he debuted with the Baltimore Orioles in 2009 before spending four seasons with the New York Mets. After appearing in 301 games for New York, Turner signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, a move that shaped his career. Over nine seasons in L.A., the Southern California native became the franchise’s all-time leader in postseason hits, RBIs, and home runs (tied with Max Muncy and Corey Seager).
Following the signing, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson expressed his excitement, stating, “He’s someone that we can really learn a lot from. Just his experience, he’s just such a pro at what he does. That will really impact this group.”
Although Turner is no longer in his prime, the 40-year-old still posted a solid 114 OPS+ between Toronto and Seattle last season.
