MLB Rumors: Cubs Considering Justin Turner Contract If Alex Bregman Signs Elsewhere

The Chicago Cubs are considering signing free agent Justin Turner as a backup option if Alex Bregman signs elsewhere, according to The Athletic's Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal.

Bregman, the free agent out of Houston, has been drawing interest from several teams, as he has yet to sign despite the start of spring training.

While Bregman does have a chance to land with the Cubs, ESPN's Buster Olney reported the Boston Red Sox or Detroit Tigers could also sign the third baseman "soon."

Following his eight-year tenure with the Astros, the organization is "skeptical he'll return to Houston," after reportedly declining a six-year contract worth roughly $156 million from the Astros at the start of the offseason, per Olney. He was seeking a contract worth $200 million.

The third baseman had re-engaged in talks to stay with the organization in January, but The Athletic's Chandler Rome reported that general manager Dana Brown said the team had lost him after the tone of negotiations changed.

The two-time All-Star has two World Series championships under his belt with the Astros, finishing last season with 26 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a .260/.315/.453 slash line.

With Bregman's decisions up in the air and opening day slated for just over a month away, the Cubs are beginning to look down other avenues.

Turner, an infielder who played 48 games for the Seattle Mariners last season, has a career .821 OPS. He would be a stellar addition to the Cubs, as he can move around the infield and contribute at any position, in addition to a designated hitter spot.

In 2024, Turner finished with 11 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a .259/.354/.383 slash line.

The Mariners had shown interest in re-signing Turner before shifting focus to Donovan Solano. His contract would fit nicely into the Cubs' operations, which chairman Tom Ricketts said would be around the $241 million luxury tax threshold, according to Mooney and Rosenthal.

The 40-year-old has also drawn interest from the Red Sox and the Tigers, although the Red Sox may be a tougher fit, with Tristan Casas taking over first base, Rafael Devers at third and Masataka Yoshida as the designated hitter. Additionally, Mooney and Rosenthal reported that the Tigers are likely to target a younger player to add to their squad, making the Cubs the most likely destination for Turner.

Despite the interest he's drawing, his next move will depend on which teams choose not to pursue the 30-year-old Bregman, leaving Turner to potentially get the scraps.