3 players with ties to Craig Counsell the Cubs could target

2. 1B/DH Justin Turner

The Cubs need to add more bats this offseason and former Los Angeles Dodger and Boston Red Sox star Justin Turner has been linked to Chicago now that Counsell is the manager. Although Turner has never played for Counsell, MLB Network's Jon Morosi pointed out on X that the Brewers made a run at Turner when he was a free agent following the 2020 season.

Turner may be entering his age 39 season, but he proved that he can still swing the bat this year with 23 home runs, 96 RBI, and .276/.345/.455 slash line. This production will likely net Turner a one-two year contract given his age and the Cubs could be wise to give him a shot given their needs on offense.

Turner primarily served as Boston's DH in 2023, but he played first base in 41 games and he can play third base in a pinch. At 39 years old though, Turner's best days at the hot corner are definitely behind him. First base would likely be Turner's home on the Cubs given the only designated player currently on the 40-man roster at that position is Matt Mervis.

This is the type of short-term signing that the Cubs would probably be enticed by right now but it will have to exceed $13.4 million a year since that is the value of Turner's player option he just opted out of.