“Justin Turner signs 1-year, $6M contract with Chicago Cubs, per sources”

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with free-agent corner infielder Justin Turner on a one-year, $6 million deal, sources have confirmed to ESPN. The contract is contingent on a physical examination.

Last season, Turner, aged 40, played for both Toronto and Seattle, putting together a .354 OBP across 139 games. He recorded 11 home runs with a .259 batting average. Throughout his 16-year MLB career, Turner has maintained an .821 OPS.

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The Cubs have been in need of a backup for Michael Busch at first base and a third base option. Turner fits these requirements, although his appearances at third base were limited to six games last season, indicating that he likely won’t be a regular there.

He does provide some insurance at the hot corner as the team plans on starting rookie Matt Shaw there. Shaw has been slowed early in camp by an oblique issue.

Turner is joining his seventh organization after many productive years with the Dodgers where he was a two-time All-Star and finished in the top-15 voting for the MVP award three times.

He has also played in 86 postseason games — undoubtedly an attractive quality for the Cubs, who are hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.