Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson have nothing but praise for Cubs' latest offseason addition

It's easy to start throwing stones when your team's fallback option to a former Gold Glover and All-Star is a 40-year-old infielder who, at this point in his career, is largely relegated to first base and DH duties.

But don't tell anyone in the Chicago Cubs clubhouse not to be excited about this week's signing of veteran Justin Turner. Multiple players voiced their support and excitement about the addition. And, if you think about it, why shouldn't they? Turner is an inspirational story, a fringe big leaguer at one point before he put it all together and established himself as a huge part of the Los Angeles Dodgers' emergence as an annual championship contender.

His resume - and reputation - speaks for itself. Winners know winners (as cliche as it sounds) and former World Series champion and first-round pick Dansby Swanson loves what Turner brings to the Cubs.

“It’s good for all of us just because that experience and the ability to explain it and coach it, if you will. Because he taught himself how to do it, I think it’s going to be even more beneficial for a lot of guys than I think we even realize at this moment.”

In 2024, Turner split the campaign between Toronto and Seattle and, despite being in his late 30s, showed he can still impact a game offensively. The power output was down, but there was no ballooning strikeout or chase rate that often indicates a downturn is right around the corner. That combination - a veteran who has won and knows what that takes and can teach young players, but is also still a capable presence in the lineup - is a rarity, especially at a mere $6 million price tag.

Justin Turner will be a critical veteran voice for Cubs rookie Matt Shaw

With the Opening Day third base job likely to go to an unproven rookie in Matt Shaw, adding a former third baseman who not only knows what it takes to succeed at the position in the big leagues, but what it's like to really struggle, as well, could make all the difference as Shaw works his way through just his second full professional campaign.

“I think anytime you can lean on guys who have done a lot in the game and experienced a ton of different things, it’s a huge asset,” Happ said. “Not only does he have Nico and Dansby to talk to about coming up at a young age and what that takes, but a guy like Turner, who’s reinvented himself, played forever, had success at the highest level.

We'll get our first glimpse of Turner later this week when he reports to Cubs camp in Mesa. But the buzz is in the air - and it's safe to say his new teammates are ready to get to work alongside him as the club gears up for the Tokyo Series in just a month.