Veteran Star Justin Turner Set to Join Chicago Cubs on Exciting 1-Year, $6 Million Deal

The Chicago Cubs are close to finalizing a one-year deal worth $6 million with Justin Turner, according to a source who spoke to The Athletic. Turner is a skilled right-handed hitter with a strong playoff background.

At 40 years old, Turner was on the Cubs’ radar as a free agent, especially after their attempts to bring in Alex Bregman fell through. Bregman recently signed a hefty three-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Right now, it looks unlikely that the Cubs will add another player to their roster as spring training approaches. While they considered Nolan Arenado as a potential target, the St. Louis Cardinals have no intention of trading him to the Cubs, who are their main rivals.

As the Cubs gear up for their Cactus League games starting Thursday and their season opener in Japan on March 18, it’s clear that Turner needed to make a choice soon.

Turner and his wife, Kourtney, are excited about spending the summer in Chicago and enjoying the atmosphere at Wrigley Field. Kourtney has roots in Indiana, making the move even more appealing.

Turner has extensive experience in large markets, having started with the New York Mets and then thriving with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played a crucial role in helping the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series. Along the way, he earned two All-Star selections and the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, which honors excellence both on and off the field.

After his time with the Dodgers, Turner played for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. Even at age 39, he performed well, hitting 11 home runs and driving in 55 runs during the season.

In Chicago, Turner can team up with first baseman Michael Busch and also take on additional at-bats as a designated hitter. While Turner has mostly played third base in his 16-year career, it remains to be seen how much he will play there, considering his age and the Cubs’ hopes for top prospect Matt Shaw.

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