The biggest question facing the Cubs will be what to do with Kyle Tucker. However, he is not the only free agent the Cubs have that may not be back next year. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman predicted that the Cubs would not bring back veteran infielder Justin Turner.
“First, Turner is completely useless against right-handed pitching, as he hit .141 with a .387 OPS against righties in the regular season,” wrote Rotman. “It’s one thing for a player to struggle, and it’s another for a player to be non-competitive — that’s what Turner was against righties. Second, he turns 41 years old in November.”
Turner just finished his 17th season in the big leagues. He played in 80 games for the Cubs and even got a start against the Brewers in the postseason. However, overall, his role on the team was neither large nor pivotal.
“Turner is a great leader, can still hit lefties decently, and wouldn’t cost much to re-sign, but I also think, considering his age and inability to do anything against righties, the Cubs would be better off either giving Busch a shot to play every day, even against lefties at first base, or signing someone else to play that platoon role,” wrote Rotman.
The longtime Los Angeles Dodgers star is no longer in his prime. He is a two-time All-Star, World Series champion and former National League Championship Series MVP, but he is nearing the end of his career, and the Cubs may not see any reason to bring him back.
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