Reports: Cubs, Justin Turner agree to deal

Field Level Media|published: 02/18/2025, 10:57am EST

Sep 14, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Justin Turner (2) celebrates after scoring a run against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Justin Turner agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal with the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

The Cubs were suitors for free agent Alex Bregman but shifted their focus after the Boston Red Sox and Bregman reached a three-year, $120 million deal.

Turner, 40, spent the 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners and has 1,580 hits and 198 home runs in 16 MLB seasons. He played first base and third base with both teams last season, batting .259 with 11 home runs and a .737 OPS, his lowest since 2013 with the New York Mets. The Mariners acquired Turner from Toronto for outfielder RJ Schreck on July 29.

Top prospect Matt Shaw enters spring training as the likely starter at third base for the Cubs. Turner's at-bats most likely would come as designated hitter or in a light platoon with first baseman Michael Bush.

Turner was the 2017 NLCS MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers and has played in 86 postseason games.

A two-time All-Star, Turner is fourth among active players reaching base by being hit by a pitch 135 times.

--Field Level Media