February 18, 2025
The Athletic's Patrick Mooney writes that the Chicago Cubs could pair the recently-signed
Justin Turner, who hits right-handed, with left-handed-hitting
Michael Busch at first base in 2025 while also getting him additional at-bats as the designated hitter. Turner has mainly played third base in his 16-year MLB career, but it's unclear how much the Cubs will use him there given his age (40) and the organization's high hopes for top prospect
Matt Shaw (oblique). Shaw is dealing with an oblique injury early in camp, but as long as he's healthy, he's the favorite to be the team's Opening Day third baseman after the Cubs didn't sign
Alex Bregman in free agency. Turner's power numbers have dropped considerably in recent seasons, but his presence as an option at first base against left-handers is a hit to Busch's overall fantasy upside in 2025.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
February 18, 2025
The Chicago Cubs have signed infielder
Justin Turner to a one-year contract worth $6 million. Throughout the offseason, the Cubs have shown interest in adding depth to their infield. They were considered a top landing spot for
Alex Bregman but have begun to pivot towards Turner once he signed with the Boston Red Sox. In addition, their top prospect,
Matt Shaw (oblique), who is expected to be the team's starting third baseman, suffered a minor injury during the first week of spring training. Turner will provide much-needed depth at this position. Last season, Turner spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. Across 139 games, the 40-year-old posted a .259/.354/.383 line with 11 home runs. He showed a strong eye at the plate with a 10.9 percent walk rate and a 17.6 percent strikeout rate, both well above the average marks. Even though Turner primarily played at first base last season, he has spent most of his career at the hot corner and will likely see time at both positions in Chicago. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Shaw's progression and development, as he could enter a timeshare with Turner if he were to struggle early on at the major league level. However, if Shaw is able to adjust well in the majors, Turner could find a role as the No. 2 option behind first baseman
Michael Busch.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Bob Nightengale
February 10, 2025
According to Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in signing free-agent infielder
Justin Turner if they cannot reach a deal with
Alex Bregman. The Cubs have begun to emerge as contenders for Bregman but have also begun to find alternative options if they cannot complete a deal. Turner spent the 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. Across 139 contests, the veteran posted a .259/.354/.383 slash line with 24 doubles and 11 home runs. He showed a strong eye at the plate with a 10.9 percent walk rate and a 17.6 percent strikeout rate, which were both well above the average marks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Bregman's status as he would significantly affect the Chicago depth chart. If he signs in Chicago, he will cover the hot corner, limiting top prospect
Matt Shaw's opportunities. However, if Turner were to sign with Chicago, Shaw may still be able to find a path to make the Opening Day roster if he performs well during spring training.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal
December 7, 2024
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, free-agent first baseman
Justin Turner could be a good fit for the Texas Rangers. With the Rangers looking to improve their production against southpaws, Turner could fit that bill. Last season facing southpaws, Turner posted a .252/.355/.403 slash line with nine doubles, three home runs, and a 17:25 BB:K. While
Nathaniel Lowe will likely operate as the No. 1 first baseman in 2025, Turner would provide a depth option at the position and could also see time on the strong side of a platoon at the DH spot. In addition to his solid bat, Turner showcased great on-base skills last season, boasting a 10.9% walk rate and 17.6% strikeout rate. Fantasy managers in points leagues and formats that score on-base percentage should consider Turner as a deeper value target in drafts.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Evan Grant
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