The Chicago Cubs entered the offseason with a clear goal: securing a high-effect third baseman. Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star as well as World Series champion, enhanced as a vital target. However, with negotiations dragging on, the team is analyzing a surprising alternative: Justin Turner, a 40-year-old veteran with extensive postseason experience.

While Alex Bregman remains a top option, Turner’s availability provides a lower-cost and short-period alternative. With teams like the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers also tracking the veteran, the Cubs’ decision could reshape the free agent market. For the third baseman, this unexpected transformation raises issues related to his leverage in negotiations.

Cubs’ interest in Justin Turner and scope for Alex Bregman

Justin Turner, a career .821 OPS hitter, remains a productive offensive player. In 2023 with the Red Sox, Turner posted a .276 batting average with 23 home runs and 96 RBIs, proving he can still work at a large level. Turner’s capability for multiple positions, including first base and designated hitter, makes him a valuable short-period option. In addition, he brings postseason pedigree, having played in 19 playoff rounds with the Dodgers, where he hit .270 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs across 86 postseason games.

“The Cubs remain in the mix for the 2 free agents, whose markets overlap to a degree,” Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney reported in The Athletic, noting, “Turner is drawing interest from some teams which are also tracking Bregman.” In addition, financially, Justin Turner’s contract needs are effectively lower than Alex Bregman’s, making him an appealing option. Chicago’s assumed payroll sits at roughly $209 million, per FanGraphs, totally below the $241 million luxury tax threshold. If Bregman continues to look for a long-period deal in the six-to-seven-year range, as speculated, the Cubs could lean to the flexibility that Justin Turner provides.

Turner’s familiarity with large-market teams, having played for the Mets, the Dodgers, and the Red Sox, also links with the Cubs’ expectations. In addition, his links to the Midwest through his wife, Kourtney, make Chicago an attractive place. While Justin Turner’s defense at third base is no longer vital, his leadership and offensive reliability could provide a short-period enhancement. At the same time, the Cubs can analyze their long-period infield approaches. On the contrary, Alex Bregman remains a high-upside option and comes with vital financial as well as contractual issues.

Cubs infield approach and Turner’s role

If the Cubs commit to Justin Turner, the team will be betting on his bat as well as veteran availability instead of long-period stability at third base. Turner split time between first base, third base, and DH in 2023, playing 58 games at first, 41 at third, and 98 as a DH. While his defensive range has decreased, Turner’s offensive production remains steady. In addition, Chicago could utilize Justin as a veteran bridge while top prospect Matt Shaw enhances as a full-time MLB third baseman.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell addressed Shaw’s scope, highlighting, “Matt’s got a shot at it. He is going to get the first shot at it,” which suggested the team’s preparation to go young at third unless a vital free agent like Bregman is signed. However, with Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, and Nicky Lopez also in camp, the team has options but lacks high-effect veteran availability. Justin Turner fills that gap without blocking Shaw’s enhancement. So, if they pass on Bregman, others could reconsider their personal interests, effectively lowering his market value.

In addition, Justine Turner’s signing could highlight that the team is focusing on financial flexibility and shorter commitments. With spring training underway, Chicago’s infield situation remains fluid, and their final decision could have a lasting effect on Bregman’s future. The Cubs’ moving to Turner complicates Bregman’s free agency; if Chicago pulls back, other teams could leave, affecting his market value.

So, will Alex Bregman land the contract he needs? What is your take on the Cubs approach? Share with us below.