The Chicago Cubs and Justin Turner are finalizing a one-year, $6 million deal, according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
The Cubs had to pivot after losing out on free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman last week.
Turner, 40, split the 2024 season between the Blue Jays and Mariners, logging a .259 average with a .737 OPS and 11 home runs between the two clubs.
Turner played for the Mets from 2010-14 and was on the cusp of becoming a dominant hitter when the Mets non-tendered him and he signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers, where he became an everyday player and one of the MLB’s most productive middle-of-the-lineup bats.
Turner spent nine seasons in Los Angeles, reaching the postseason in each of them. He has a .270/.370/.460 slash line in 86 playoff games.
Over the last few seasons, Turner has transitioned into the DH role, who can slot in at any position (except shortstop) around the infield. In 2023 with the Red Sox, Turner logged 41 games at first base, 10 games at second base and seven games at third base. In 2024 between Toronto and Seattle, he played 43 games at first and six at third. He DH’d in 87 games.
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(NJ Advance Media’s Manny Gomez contributed to this report.)
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Bridget Hyland may be reached at bhyland@njadvancemedia.com.