The Chicago Cubs have a new backup first baseman as the team signed veteran infielder Justin Turner to a one-year deal on Tuesday.
In 2025, I get that there are a lot of things within the country that do not make sense. The Cubs bringing Turner isn't that complicated. As a whole, the Cubs' bench offered very little offensive upside, and beyond that, their projected lineup against left-handed starting pitchers was looking suspect. Tuner offers an upgrade for each of those areas. No, Turner isn't the Cubs' backup third baseman; they addressed that with the signing of Jon Berti last month.
Prior to the Cubs' signing of Turner, their bench was figured to consist of Berti, Vidal Bruján, Alexander Canario, Carson Kelly, and Gage Workman. Turner's arrival all but confirms that one of those aforementioned players will not be on the Major League roster. Of course, we can rule Kelly out from being that player since he will be splitting catching duties with Miguel Amaya.
3 Chicago Cubs who may have just lost a roster spot
1. Gage Workman
Gage Workman is often the forgotten addition to the Cubs' offseason. The team surprisingly selected the Double-A infielder away from the Detroit Tigers in the Rule 5 draft last December. Workman has yet to play beyond the Double-A level and while there is plenty to like from his offensive profile, the easiest solution would be the Cubs sending him back to the Tigers before Opening Day. Of course, it's possible the Cubs and Tigers work out a trade before then, allowing Workman to remain in the Cubs' organization.
2. Alexander Canario
Alexander Canario is out of minor-league options, and it wouldn't even be a consideration of him being able to sneak through waivers as another team would likely jump at the opportunity of adding him. Again, there is plenty to like from the limited set of data Canario has compiled at the Major League level. Canario has been getting reps at first base during Spring Training but it feels that a trade out of the Cubs' organization is inevitable.
3. Vidal Bruján
The Cubs value positional versatility, so chances are Vidal Bruján is all but locked into one of the bench spots. Adding in the fact that the Cubs traded former promising prospect Matt Mervis in exchange for Bruján, it's tough to envision any scenario where the team gives up on one of baseball's former top prospects before Opening Day.
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