After four consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, the Chicago Cubs are aiming for a return to October baseball in 2025. Coming off an 83-79 season, the 2016 World Series champions made several key offseason moves to strengthen their roster.
The Cubs pulled off a major trade with the Houston Astros to acquire three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker. They also bolstered their pitching staff by signing left-hander Matthew Boyd, who impressed with a 2.72 ERA in eight starts for the Cleveland Guardians in 2024.
To address the loss of Cody Bellinger—who was traded to the reigning American League champion New York Yankees—Chicago added veteran slugger Justin Turner on a one-year, $6 million deal, per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. While Tucker is expected to fill Bellinger’s role in the lineup, Turner brings additional right-handed power to the mix.
The Cubs made the signing official with a simple three-word message on Thursday: “Welcome to Chicago.”
Welcome to Chicago, @redturn2! pic.twitter.com/iuZocGFFCz
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 20, 2025
Turner started last season with the Toronto Blue Jays before being dealt to the Seattle Mariners in July. A 16-year MLB veteran, he spent nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning a World Series in 2020.
Despite turning 39 last season, Turner remained a productive hitter, posting a 114 OPS+ between Toronto and Seattle. Now 40, he is expected to take on a primary role as Chicago’s designated hitter in 2025.
A Southern California native, Turner played college baseball at Cal State Fullerton, where he helped lead the team to a College World Series title in 2004.
Now set to begin his 17th MLB season, Turner will aim to provide Craig Counsell’s lineup with the same level of production he delivered for Toronto and Seattle last year.
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