Ex-Dodgers Slugger Available, Could Chicago Cubs Consider for Third Base?
The Chicago Cubs could be looking to make a move at third base this winter considering as it stands, Patrick Wisdom and Nick Madrigal are the current options for the hot corner.
One option for the Cubs could be former Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox third baseman Justin Turner.
Turner recently hit the free agent market after declining his $13.4 million player option and instead taking his $6.7 million buyout. However, that buyout only occurs if his next deal exceeds $6.7 million, which is almost is guaranteed to do.
Even at 39 years old, Turner is still one of the better hitters in this very weak free agency crop. Still, he has the ability to play a majority of his time at third base while spending some time at designated hitter.
In 2023, Turner slashed .276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs, proving he still has what it takes to hit at an elite level. With his age, Turner's contract will likely be a one-year deal and would be at a lower AAV than an option in their prime.
It would also allow Chicago the opportunity to address the position for a season while waiting for the next free agency class to fix the position long-term.
Turner's market value is estimated at a two-year, $17.3 million deal according to Spotrac.
The other options to address third base this winter will be high-dollar options that multiple teams will be in on such as Matt Chapman and Jeimer Candelario. That's about it.
Turner could be the stopgap at the position that the Cubs are looking for. And it appears he still has it at the plate.
