The Chicago Cubs and free agent infielder Justin Turner have agreed to terms on a 1 year, $6M contract for the 2025 MLB season.
The 40 year old split time between Seattle and Toronto last season, hitting 11 home runs with 59 runs scored and 55 RBIs across 460 at bats. His .259 batting average fell for the 5th straight year, however Chicago hopes that the intangibles he brings to the field will have a net positive effect on their roster.
His strikeout rate (17.6%) and whiff rate (17%) each ranked above the 70th percentile for the ninth straight Major League campaign.
Long known as a “good clubhouse guy”, Turner will look to help develop Chicago’s younger roster players as they hope to rebound in the NL Central this season. Turner will likely back up Michael Busch at 1st base, while also being able to fill in at 3rd when needed.
The $6M pact is believed to also feature up to $2.5M in performance bonuses, though the club has yet to confirm those details.
Along with the Turner announcement, Chicago also inked right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen to a minor league deal. Flexen heads across town after making 30 starts for the White Sox last season.
The Cubs open up their Spring Training schedule against the Dodgers on February 20th.
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