Cubs Veteran Officially Becomes Free Agent After Disappointing Campaign

Turner played in 80 games this season for Chicago after being signed as a fill-in option for either first base, second base, or third base. In that sample size, he wound up posting a -0.1 bWAR after slashing just .219/.288/.314 with three home runs and 18 RBI, collecting just 37 hits on the season.

One of the reasons he was brought in, though, was in a platoon role for Michael Busch at first to hit against left-handed pitching, and in that role he wound up slashing a much more respectable .276/.330/.429 across 109 plate appearances.

Against right-handed pitching, though, that slash line dropped to a brutal .141/.232/.155, and Turner was a liability in the lineup when given a chance at third following the demotion of Matt Shaw early in the season.

His impact in the clubhouse, however, was certainly a net positive on the team as a veteran presence, and he did have an extremely memorable moment with a pinch-hit walk-off home run against the Baltimore Orioles back on August 3.

Where Do Cubs Pivot for Bench Role Now?

Chicago is losing both Turner and super utility man Willi Castro to free agency, so it's safe to say they will need to make another addition from free agency as to a fourth outfielder, as well as an infield option off the bench.

Perhaps a reunion with Turner at a much cheaper price could be in the cards, but more than likely, the soon-to-be 41-year-old will hang up the cleats, and the Cubs will have to find someone else.

There's never a shortage of veteran bench options out there though, and seeing who Chicago winds up with is worth monitoring over the coming weeks.