The Chicago Cubs have had an eventful offseason in Major League Baseball. After trading 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, the Cubs bolstered their roster by acquiring three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. Tucker, a left-handed slugger, signed a one-year, $16.5 million contract, avoiding arbitration. The Cubs also added free-agent starting pitcher Matthew Boyd, who had a strong showing with the Cleveland Guardians. The team made another move on Tuesday by signing veteran right-handed hitter Justin Turner for $6 million.
Turner, who spent the beginning of last season with the Toronto Blue Jays before being traded to the Seattle Mariners, brings 16 years of MLB experience. After debuting with the Baltimore Orioles in 2009, Turner had a significant stint with the New York Mets before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013. His time in L.A. helped him become the franchise’s all-time leader in postseason hits, RBIs, and home runs (tied with Max Muncy and Corey Seager). Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson expressed his excitement about the addition, noting Turner’s expertise and professionalism. “He’s someone we can really learn a lot from,” Swanson said. “Just his experience, he’s such a pro at what he does. That will really impact this group.” Although Turner may not be the player he once was, the 40-year-old still posted a 114 OPS+ last season between Seattle and Toronto.
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