As we approach the trade deadline, one figure who seems to be staying put is Justin Turner. The 40-year-old veteran has been navigating a rocky season with the Cubs, particularly in his platoon role alongside first baseman Michael Busch. Despite the scrutiny he’s faced over his performance, it appears Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer has other priorities on his mind.
Through 38 games this season, Turner has put up a less-than-stellar 67 wRC+ across 110 plate appearances. His batting line of .255/.308/.340 has drawn the ire of fans who have often questioned his continued presence in the lineup, particularly against left-handed pitchers, where he has consistently received the nod over Busch. That kind of production simply raises eyebrows when you consider his role as a fill-in at first base and occasionally as a designated hitter; fans and analysts alike would expect more output from a player in that position.
However, Hoyer recently made it clear that he is not overly concerned about Turner’s struggles. In his conversations with reporters, he emphasized that his focus remains on bolstering the pitching staff through trades, almost dismissing rumors about seeking offensive reinforcements. “I think, barring injury, I think there are probably some small things on the offensive side. But really, I think our position player group has been really good,” he remarked. This indicates a clear preference from the front office to target pitching upgrades rather than shake things up on offense, even if Turner’s production leaves something to be desired.
Interestingly, there have been murmurs in the media suggesting the Cubs might explore trade options to replace Turner, but it seems like that’s not currently on Hoyer’s radar. It’s a decision that may come as a surprise given Turner’s early-season performance, but Cubs management appears to have some faith in his ability to turn things around.
Speaking of turning things around, there’s been a slight resurgence from Turner in recent weeks—particularly in matchups against left-handed pitchers, which was one of the key reasons for bringing him on board. Since mid-May, Turner has gone 7-for-22 against lefties, including a home run and a double, with another hit coming in Wednesday’s game against southpaw Jesús Luzardo. This uptick in production is a positive sign after a sluggish start to the season, where he hit just .155/.271/.155 with a concerning 22.9 K% in his first 70 plate appearances.
To give some context to his struggles, Turner didn’t register his first extra-base hit of the year until he delivered a walk-off, two-run double against the Marlins on May 13. That moment not only marked a turning point for him personally but also brought a wave of relief for both Turner and the Cubs’ fans.
Looking back at the previous season, Turner finished 2024 with a more respectable .259/.354/.383 line and posted a solid 117 wRC+. While his slugging numbers may have declined over the years, the Cubs seem to believe in his ability to contribute as the season unfolds. If he can maintain this recent momentum, perhaps Turner will prove valuable in the lineup as the Cubs eye a playoff push. The next few weeks could very well define his role with the team moving forward.
