Cubs reportedly sign Turner to 1-year deal to shore up 3rd base

Justin Turner has agreed to a $6 million, one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation, giving the team additional infield depth.

Turner can earn an additional $2.5 million in bonuses, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the contract was pending a physical.

The addition of Turner would give the team some security at third base should Matt Shaw need more seasoning in the minors. The 23-year-old Shaw has been slowed by a left oblique issue in spring training.

The 40-year-old Turner also could back up Michael Busch at first base and go into the lineup at designated hitter. Turner played for Toronto and Seattle last year, batting .259 with 11 homers, 55 RBIs and a .354 on-base percentage in 139 games.

“He’s been a really good player for a long time, and I think that he’s someone that we can really learn a lot from,” Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “Just his experience, and he’s just such a pro at what he does. ... He’s somebody that you definitely want to have on your team.”

The Cubs pivoted to Turner after pursuing Alex Bregman in free agency. They were in the mix for the two-time All-Star before he agreed to a $120 million, three-year deal with the Red Sox last week.

Chicago is looking to make a playoff push after it went 83-79 last year and finished second in the NL Central for the second straight season. It hasn’t made the playoffs since it was swept by Miami in the wild-card round in 2020.



(AP Photo Lindsay Wasson)