Former Seattle Mariners Infielder Nearing Deal with Chicago Cubs

Former Seattle Mariners infielder Justin Turner is nearing a deal with the Chicago Cubs.

Patrick Mooney of The Athletic had the report on social media. It's been speculated for weeks that Turner could end up in Chicago.

The Chicago Cubs are close to an agreement with Justin Turner, a source briefed on the negotiations told The Athletic. Turner, 40, is a highly accomplished hitter who wants to play in Chicago and will bring extensive playoff experience to the club.

The Chicago Cubs are close to an agreement with Justin Turner, a source briefed on the negotiations told The Athletic. Turner, 40, is a highly accomplished hitter who wants to play in Chicago and will bring extensive playoff experience to the club.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) February 18, 2025

The Mariners had expressed interest in Turner earlier this offseason, but instead elected to pivot to Donovan Solano, who will be the right-handed hitting first baseman.

In 48 games with the Mariners after a midseason trade from the Blue Jays last year, Turner hit .264 with five homers, 24 RBI and a .363 on-base percentage. He helped the M's get to within one game of the playoffs. He was also lauded as a valuable clubhouse presence.

For the season as a whole, Turner hit .259 with 11 homers in 2024.

Turner just finished the 16th year of his career with the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Blue Jays and Mariners. He's a .285 lifetime hitter who helped the Dodgers win the World Series in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

It's unclear what exactly his role will be with the Cubs, but he can play first base and can spend time at designated hitter.

After trading for Kyle Tucker, the Cubs are expecting to be real contenders in the National League Central.

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