Chicago Cubs Rumors: An opening for Justin Turner is there

The Chicago Cubs will need to add more offense if they want to compete in 2023, even after landing Dansby Swanson. Free agents are starting to fly off the boards. One of the DH candidates, J. D. Martinez just signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Speaking of the Dodgers, one of their core anchors is still a free agent. Infielder Justin Turner is still a free agent and could fit the Cubs well.

Turner, 38, would not be seeking a longterm deal, and despite his age, he was still productive in 2022. In 128 games he hit 13 home runs with a .278/.350/.438 slash and 123 wRC+. Steamer projections have him at a 115 wRC+ and .340 OBP in 2023. Even if he is not putting up his prime numbers, if healthy, the chances of him being at least productive are solid.

If the Cubs were to land Turner, he would be their regular third baseman in 2023. Right now there is no solidified single man at the position. Going off the current roster, it would likely be a mix of Christopher Morel and Patrick Wisdom. Both of those guys could still have a role on the team next year, but they would be a bit different if Turner came in to man the hot corner. Wisdom could be a candidate to platoon with Matt Mervis at first and Morel could be a versatile bench bat that plays both infield and outfield when needed.

Turner's current market value via Spotrac is around $8.7 million. It is slightly less than the projected market value of Brandon Drury and a few million more than Evan Longoria. This would not be an expensive investment and one that could be a productive short-term solution. Turner going back to the Dodgers seems pretty iffy, and this could be a prime time to go land him if the Cubs were inclined.