The Chicago Cubs have been heavily focused on pitching this offseason with the exception of trading for superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker. This was the expected approach for the front office with most of the everyday roles being set in stone from the year prior, but one more addition could be made before Opening Day.
The team’s bullpen was the biggest issue in 2024 and Jed Hoyer has attacked the needs in the back end of the stable with full force. Trading for veteran closer Ryan Pressly from Houston was a great start and swinging a deal with the Dodgers for Ryan Brasier was another solid acquisition. The two experienced right-handers will complement Porter Hodge nicely in the late innings in 2025 and the hope is that the organization won’t run into the same bullpen issues from a year ago.
Alex Bregman is the biggest prize on the free agent market across the league right now. Chicago has been rumored to be in on the two-time all-star and World Series champion, but there is an issue that might prevent Bregman from coming to Wrigleyville.
The former first-round pick is supposedly set on a six or seven-year contract and the Cubs will not bite on a deal that long for a free agent at Bregman’s position. If he won’t come down from the length of his desired contract, Chicago could go in a different direction to bring in their final position player for the 2025 roster.
The Chicago Cubs could have an interest in Justin Turner
In a report from Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs have discussed the idea of signing Justin Turner if Bregman is not an option. Turner just turned 40 years old and is set to enter the 17th season of his career in 2025. He spent last year with the Mariners and Blue Jays after Toronto shipped him out of town. Turner slashed .259/.354/.383 between his two stops and hit 11 home runs while driving in 55 runs.
Turner’s ability to club doubles into the gap continued despite his age in 2024 as he had 24 two-baggers on the campaign. Primarily known as a third baseman throughout his career, Turner hasn’t consistently manned the hot corner for a couple of seasons now.
A signing of Turner wouldn’t impact highly-touted prospect Matt Shaw and his quest to win the Opening Day job at the position. Turner would likely be used as a platoon bat at first base with Michael Busch and would fill in at third base for the Cubs when needed.
Justin Turner brings a winning pedigree to the table
Tuner’s nine-year tenure with the Dodgers proves that he knows what excellence looks like in every aspect of a team. His presence in the clubhouse would be highly valued in Chicago and he could be a mentor to all of the young guys this year. Turner also won the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award, which only adds to his case of being a great influence in the clubhouse.
The ultimate benefit of the Cubs bringing Turner aboard would be the terms of his contract. The veteran is likely to sign a one-year deal wherever he ends up, which Chicago would be all over. No matter where Bregman ends up in the coming weeks, Turner is a guy that the Cubs front office should be keeping tabs on with Spring Training heating up.
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