Justin Turner’s fate with the Cubs heading into the trade deadline appears to be safe. Although the 40-year-old hitter has struggled in his platoon role with first baseman Michael Busch, Jed Hoyer was recently asked if there were any thoughts of adding pieces to the offense and his answer didn’t leave much doubt.
Turner has played in 38 games with the Cubs this season and he’s only posted a 67 wRC+ in 110 plate appearances. Fans have been irate over Turner’s playing time as he’s consistently been starting over Michael Busch whenever the Cubs face a left-handed starting pitcher. Prior to Wednesday’s series finale against the Phillies Turner had a slash line of .255/.308/.340.
Despite the underwhelming numbers it doesn’t seem as though the Cubs front office is all too worried about Turner’s spot on the team. He’s not exactly a key hitter, but for a guy who does fill in at first base and occasionally at designated hitter you’d want more production.
For now, Hoyer doesn’t view it as an issue and is solely focused on upgrading the pitching staff via trade. He was on with New York Post reporters Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman this week and Hoyer pretty much waved off any thought of adding a piece on offense.
Via The Show.
“I think, barring injury, I think there are probably some small things on the offensive side. But really, I think that our position player group has been really good….As I think about it, I think pitching is the likely direction we would take if we were adding.”
There has been some speculation from the media about the Cubs potentially looking to replace Turner via trade lately, but I guess that’s not really on the front office’s radar.
On the bright side, Turner has been better in the past month or so and especially against lefties, which is the major reason the Cubs signed him in the first place. Since May 13, Turner is 7-for-22 vs. LHP with a home run and a double. He added another single on Wednesday against left-handed starter Jesús Luzardo.
That’s at least a step forward in the right direction for Turner, who looked pretty bad through the first six weeks of the regular season. Overall in his first 70 plate appearances Turner was only slashing .155/.271/.155, with a 22.9 K% and 34 wRC+.
Turner didn’t get his first extra-base hit of the year until a walk-off, two-run double against the Marlins on May 13.
In 2024, Turner ended the season with a slash line of .259/.354/.383, which produced a decent 117 wRC+. The slugging has certainly declined in the past few years, but it looks like the Cubs are comfortable keeping Turner, who will hopefully continue to raise his offensive numbers as the 2025 season progresses.
Clearly they’re focused on pitching and I get that. But still on your benches is putrid as there’s are,
They should be looking for more bench bats. I know 25th and 26 man doesn’t matter when you get in the playoffs but they need somebody to get them there, first.