{"id":597224,"date":"2026-02-28T01:39:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T01:39:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/597224\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T01:39:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T01:39:17","slug":"chicago-cubs-tyler-austin-injury-may-ignite-reunion-with-17-year-vet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/597224\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Cubs Tyler Austin injury may ignite reunion with 17-year vet"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs<\/a> have one of the best first basemen in all baseball in Michael Busch<\/a>. He will, of course, play the majority of the team\u2019s games at the position and, barring injury, have another productive season for Chicago.<\/p>\n

That being said, the Cubs, as well as every other MLB team, always like having depth everywhere. Earlier this off-season, Chicago signed Tyler Austin<\/a> in free agency to provide some depth at first base.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Austin suffered a knee injury<\/a> already in Spring Training, one that required surgery. He will be out for four months.<\/p>\n

Now with first base depth a glaring question, the Cubs may look to an old friend for help.<\/p>\n

The Chicago Cubs could reunite with Justin Turner
\n\"ChicagoMLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs Mar 18, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, JPN; Chicago Cubs first baseman Justin Turner (3) reacts after hitting a fly out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

With Austin out for months, and with no one on the roster who can adequately fill in, especially defensively, at first base, the Cubs may be inclined to re-sign Justin Turner<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Turner, of course, spent last season with Chicago, appearing in 80 games and hitting .219\/.288\/.314 with three home runs and 18 RBI.<\/p>\n

Obviously, the 41-year-old is not capable of being an everyday player in the Majors anymore. But that is not what the Cubs need him to be. Rather, they need him to provide some depth at first base for a little while until Austin comes back from his knee injury.<\/p>\n

In addition to providing depth at first base, Turner is a well-respected club house leader, something a young team like Chicago can never have enough of.<\/p>\n

Turner is still a free agent and would not be an expensive addition. He may not even be a season-long addition at this point.<\/p>\n

But the Cubs need to figure something out behind Busch.<\/p>\n

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