Chicago Cubs Target Expected to Make Decision This Week

A Chicago Cubs target is expected to make his free agency decisions this week as he chooses from contending teams.

Justin Turner, a Chicago Cubs free agent target, is expected to make his decision this week. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the news, with the veteran drawing interest from the Cubs, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays.

With Chicago looking for lineup help, Turner fits a need. Despite being 39 and having played 15 years in the MLB, he still has more than enough in the tank. In the 2023 season with the Boston Red Sox, he slashed .276/.345/.455 with 23 home runs, which were the fourth most of his career.

Turner is best known for his days with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent nine seasons with the Dodgers, earning two All-Star appearances and winning the 2020 World Series. 

Concerns were warranted as he landed with the Red Sox last offseason. However, he answered all those questions with an impressive offensive year. 

As the Cubs get closer to the season, the need to improve their lineup is at an all-time high. With Cody Bellinger's decision roaming large, there's a possibility that lineup help will be needed even more.

If they want to be the team that they're hoping to be under Craig Counsell, other moves have to be made.

Chicago has missed out on many of their free agent targets this offseason, and if they are truly interested in adding the veteran slugger to their roster, then this will be a situation to monitor this week.

Turner doesn't solve all of the Cubs' offensive problems and could regress some in his age-39 season. At this point in the offseason, there aren't many better options out there than a 15-year veteran who's swung the bat at a high level for most of his career.