Justin Turner Now 'Plan B' for the Cubs?

In 139 games with both the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners, Turner posted a .259/.354/.383 slash line with 11 home runs, 55 RBIs, 24 doubles, and .737 OPS. He also finished in the top 90th percentage in both LA Sweet-Spot percentage and Whiff percentage per Baseball Savant.

It’s assumed that Shaw will be the starting third baseman for the Cubs in 2025, barring a dreadful Spring Training that convinces Hoyer to keep the organization's top prospect in the minors to start the season. Either way, there needs to be a “backup plan” at third base just in case things become questionable.

Could Turner Be Plan B for the Cubs?

On one hand, the Cubs need another right-handed corner infielder with pop. Turner has proven to be a quality major-league hitter throughout his 16-year career. On the other hand, he’s entering his aged 40 season and last year he appeared in just six games at third base of his 139 games of action.

If the Cubs want to sign Turner to add a veteran right-handed bat to a group of guys that could use a righty with a little thump in the lineup, then sure, go for it.

But if you think Turner could be a “Plan B” to the Cubs not signing Bregman to a deal, I don’t buy that. Bregman is an everyday, Gold Glove third baseman that’s going to sniff a Silver Slugger and All-Star appearance at the very least. Turner is not.

At 40 years old, Turner appeared just 14 times at third base. So, if the Cubs are looking for the California native to be a potential “replacement for not signing Bregman,” I’m not here for it. But if they're looking for a veteran bat that can play first base occasionally, put up quality at-bats, and be a veteran leader for some of the younger hitters, then go for it.

Either way, I’m not losing sleep if the Cubs don’t sign Turner. I felt the same way last season, and continue to express those same feelings in 2025.