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Cubs Reportedly Considering Pivot to Justin Turner if Alex Bregman Signs Elsewhere
Alex Bregman remains a free agent, with a decision possibly coming in the next week. Buster Olney, Robert Murray, and Bob Nightengale have all mentioned the Cubs as a finalist for Bregman as the smoke continues to billow. But with teams looking to solidify their rosters as camps open up across the league, the third baseman’s options are dwindling.
Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on Monday that Justin Turner is now an option for the Cubs, but only if Bregman doesn’t join them first.
The Chicago Cubs, continuing to explore options even after the start of their spring training, are considering free agent Justin Turner as a potential addition in case Alex Bregman signs with another team, multiple league sources told The Athletic on Monday. The Cubs remain in the mix for both free agents, whose markets overlap to a degree.
While Turner isn’t the most intriguing choice on the free-agent market, he’s a veteran bat who can play first base when Michael Busch isn’t available. In 139 games last year, the 40-year-old posted a 117 wRC+ with 11 home runs and -1 outs above average. Because he has only played 90 total innings of subpar defense at third over the last two seasons, Turner would not displace Matt Shaw as the favorite to win the Opening Day role at the hot corner.
However, Turner is a clear pivot if Bregman signs elsewhere. He would cost less and allow Nico Hoerner to stay on the team. The possibility of Turner being used as leverage also exists, although he makes sense as a bench piece.