Justin Turner DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Cubs corner infielder Justin Turner played the hero in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Marlins. Turner came in to pinch-hit in the bottom of the ninth inning down by one with one out and runners on first and third. The 40-year-old veteran looped a Jesus Tinoco pitch into the left-field corner, allowing Nico Hoerner to score the game-winning run from first. Turner is no longer an everyday player and is slashing .169/.292/.186 with no home runs, nine RBI, and a stolen base in 72 plate appearances. He may not be fantasy-relevant at this point in his career, but he still provides a veteran presence to a Cubs team that is leading the National League Central Division.

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.

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.