Chicago Cubs infielder Justin Turner will get the starting nod at first base on Sunday when the Cubs conclude their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Turner will cover first base, which will move Michael Busch to the bench. Turner has not received a start through their first four games, but he has been deployed as a pinch-hitter twice. Across two plate appearances, Turner drew one walk and did not tally a hit. Fantasy managers should monitor how the Cubs set their lineup going forward, as Turner may be the primary first baseman when facing southpaws in favor of Busch. Last season, Turner posted a .259/.354/.383 slash line with 11 home runs. The 40-year-old is a viable budget option in DFS this afternoon, facing Arizona southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez.
Cubs Could Pair Justin Turner, Michael Busch At First Base
The Athletic's Patrick Mooney writes that the Chicago Cubs could pair the recently-signed Justin Turner, who hits right-handed, with left-handed-hitting Michael Busch at first base in 2025 while also getting him additional at-bats as the designated hitter. Turner has mainly played third base in his 16-year MLB career, but it's unclear how much the Cubs will use him there given his age (40) and the organization's high hopes for top prospect Matt Shaw (oblique). Shaw is dealing with an oblique injury early in camp, but as long as he's healthy, he's the favorite to be the team's Opening Day third baseman after the Cubs didn't sign Alex Bregman in free agency. Turner's power numbers have dropped considerably in recent seasons, but his presence as an option at first base against left-handers is a hit to Busch's overall fantasy upside in 2025.
The Chicago Cubs have signed infielder Justin Turner to a one-year contract worth $6 million. Throughout the offseason, the Cubs have shown interest in adding depth to their infield. They were considered a top landing spot for Alex Bregman but have begun to pivot towards Turner once he signed with the Boston Red Sox. In addition, their top prospect, Matt Shaw (oblique), who is expected to be the team's starting third baseman, suffered a minor injury during the first week of spring training. Turner will provide much-needed depth at this position. Last season, Turner spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. Across 139 games, the 40-year-old posted a .259/.354/.383 line with 11 home runs. He showed a strong eye at the plate with a 10.9 percent walk rate and a 17.6 percent strikeout rate, both well above the average marks. Even though Turner primarily played at first base last season, he has spent most of his career at the hot corner and will likely see time at both positions in Chicago. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Shaw's progression and development, as he could enter a timeshare with Turner if he were to struggle early on at the major league level. However, if Shaw is able to adjust well in the majors, Turner could find a role as the No. 2 option behind first baseman Michael Busch.
According to Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in signing free-agent infielder Justin Turner if they cannot reach a deal with Alex Bregman. The Cubs have begun to emerge as contenders for Bregman but have also begun to find alternative options if they cannot complete a deal. Turner spent the 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. Across 139 contests, the veteran posted a .259/.354/.383 slash line with 24 doubles and 11 home runs. He showed a strong eye at the plate with a 10.9 percent walk rate and a 17.6 percent strikeout rate, which were both well above the average marks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Bregman's status as he would significantly affect the Chicago depth chart. If he signs in Chicago, he will cover the hot corner, limiting top prospect Matt Shaw's opportunities. However, if Turner were to sign with Chicago, Shaw may still be able to find a path to make the Opening Day roster if he performs well during spring training.
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, free-agent first baseman Justin Turner could be a good fit for the Texas Rangers. With the Rangers looking to improve their production against southpaws, Turner could fit that bill. Last season facing southpaws, Turner posted a .252/.355/.403 slash line with nine doubles, three home runs, and a 17:25 BB:K. While Nathaniel Lowe will likely operate as the No. 1 first baseman in 2025, Turner would provide a depth option at the position and could also see time on the strong side of a platoon at the DH spot. In addition to his solid bat, Turner showcased great on-base skills last season, boasting a 10.9% walk rate and 17.6% strikeout rate. Fantasy managers in points leagues and formats that score on-base percentage should consider Turner as a deeper value target in drafts.
Seattle Mariners infielder Justin Turner (knee) is in Sunday's starting lineup and will cover first base. He will bat in the five-hole. The veteran was lifted from Saturday's game after hitting a foul ball off his knee. The injury does not seem serious as the 39-year-old will rejoin the starting nine. Since September 12, Turner has been carrying an excellent .334/.395/.625 line with three doubles, two home runs, and a 4:10 BB:K ratio. Turner has shown an excellent eye at the plate with a strong 11.0% walk rate and a 17.8% K rate which are both significant above the average marks. Turner is worth a look as a value play in DFS this afternoon given his hot stretch. He will face Houston southpaw Andrew Heaney who carries a 3.89 ERA into Sunday's game.
Justin Turner, Mitch Haniger On The Bench Wednesday
Seattle Mariners first baseman/designated hitter Justin Turner and outfielder Mitch Haniger will start Wednesday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park on the bench. Luke Raley is at first base and is hitting sixth, while Victor Robles is starting in right field and batting in the nine-hole against Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen. Catcher Cal Raleigh will serve as the DH. Since landing in Seattle via trade from the Toronto Blue Jays at the deadline at the end of July, the veteran Turner has essentially become a short-side platoon player, mostly starting against lefties. He's done very little with less playing time, too, going 15-for-73 (.205) with a homer, 10 RBI and 17 K's in his first 22 games with the team. As the M's look to make a move in the AL West, the right-handed-hitting Haniger may find himself on the bench more often against righties. He's batting only .210 on the year with 12 homers and 44 RBI.
Seattle Mariners corner infielder Justin Turner (hand) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers. The 39-year-old was removed from Tuesday's game after getting hit by a pitch in the hand. Luckily, the X-rays came back negative for any fractures. Turner will play first base and bat cleanup versus southpaw Tarik Skubal on Wednesday.
Justin Turner Hits Grand Slam In Friday Win Over Phillies
Seattle Mariners DH Justin Turner had a big night in his team's lopsided 10-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. Turner went 2-for-4 with a grand slam to help power his new team to the win. The veteran's second-inning homer traveled 397 feet with an exit velocity of 101.1 MPH and gave the Mariners an 8-0 lead. It was his first home run in a Seattle uniform after the Mariners acquired him at the trade deadline earlier in the week. Overall, Turner is hitting .261 with seven homers, 38 runs, and 37 RBI across 314 at-bats this season.
The Seattle Mariners are acquiring veteran corner infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner from the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, according to sources. The Blue Jays will receive an unnamed minor-leaguer in return. As the Mariners continue to seek offense, they will add the 39-year-old right-handed hitter as an option at either first base or designated hitter down the stretch in 2024. Turner is definitely no longer in his prime, but he's an experienced hitter and two-time All-Star that will bring veteran leadership to the M's clubhouse. Entering Monday's action, he was hitting a modest .254/.349/.371 with six home runs, 31 RBI and 37 runs scored in 347 trips to the plate over 89 games in his first and only season in Toronto. Turner's fantasy value shouldn't be drastically affected one way or another with the move, although he's heading from a hitter-friendly environment to a more pitcher-friendly one. UPDATE: The Blue Jays are receiving outfield prospect RJ Schreck in return.
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