Prior to the Chicago Cubs signing Justin Turner, I will admit, I was ready to be the president of bring Anthony Rizzo home campaign.
Admittedly, there was very little baseball logic behind the theoretical movement. While the Cubs were in need of a backup first baseman, pairing left-handed Rizzo with a left-handed starting first baseman in Michael Busch was not the exact combination the team needed to round out their bench. That is why, as painful as it may be to realize Rizzo is facing the end of his MLB career, the Cubs made the right move in identifying Turner as the last addition to the position-player side of their Major League roster.
Turner will likely spend time as the Cubs' starting first baseman against left-handed starting pitchers, with the occasional appearance as the team's designated hitter this season, but his role off the field may be far more important. In speaking with reporters, Craig Counsell spoke on the impact Turner brings to a team.
“The thing you learn quickly about being around Justin is he has a very advanced feel for the game," Counsell said. “He’s seeing things before most guys are seeing them. That’s what one of his great tools is, the ability to see the game.”
Justin Turner is the elder wiseman of the Chicago Cubs' roster.
The Cubs did not have that veteran on the roster last season. Sure, Dansby Swanson has won the World Series with the Atlanta Braves but it's become clear that Swanson is a lead-by-example type. Every Major League Baseball team needs a player like Swanson at their core but there is also a need for a player like Turner. Not to make an armchair comparison but Turner's arrival to the 2025 Cubs' roster has a John Lackey feel to it. Of course, we certainly know Turner is not here for a haircut.
While touching on why he joined the Cubs this offseason, Turner all but confirmed he passed on more lucrative offers for a chance at experiencing postseason success at Wrigley Field.
“At this point in my career, I just want to win,” Turner said. “I want to make a playoff run. For me, this was the best fit, the best team, the best org to win a division and make that deep playoff run and win another World Series.”
There was plenty of circumstances surrounding the Cubs' deal with Turner, turning to the veteran after a failed pursuit of Alex Bregman, but the 40-year-old infielder should give an added voice to a Cubs' clubhouse that hasn't experienced any semblance of postseason success.
