WATCH: Justin Turner on free agency, Cubs role, and playoff hopes

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - 20 hours ago

Newly signed infielder Justin Turner spoke to the media from spring training, talking about what made him decide to sign with the Cubs, whether he still has a lot to offer at his age, and much more.

“I couldn’t be more happy to be here with the Chicago Cubs,” Turner told the media Thursday. “I love the team, love the makeup, love what they’ve done, and I’m looking forward to an opportunity to win the division and make a playoff run. At this point in my career, the most important thing is going to a place that is going to win.”

Turner just wants to win and help the team in any way he can.

"Whether that's in the lineup, whether that's coming off the bench, whether that's facing a lefty, I'm gonna be ready and do whatever I can to help the guys win," Turner said.

Watch the interview below:

Video summary/cliff-notes:

(00:00-00:31) Justin Turner took longer than expected to find a team in free agency but is excited to join the Cubs, a storied franchise with a strong team built to compete for a division title and playoff run.

(00:31-01:06) His main priority at this stage in his career is joining a team committed to winning and contending for a championship.

(01:06-01:37) Turner has a history of playing against the Cubs and is excited about the veteran additions the team made in the offseason.

(02:04-02:36) At 39, he still loves the game and feels he has a lot to offer, focusing on competing and helping teams win rather than just accumulating years in the league.

(03:45-04:17) He values leadership as something that must be earned through respect and looks forward to getting to know his new teammates.

(06:02-06:32) Turner's free agency was delayed in part due to teams waiting on Alex Bregman’s decision, but he believes everything worked out perfectly in the end.

(06:32-07:06) He is excited to play in Japan for the first time and experience the baseball culture there, adding that facing the Dodgers will be a fun challenge.

(07:41-08:18) With experience at first and third base, he is open to playing wherever the team needs him.

(08:52-09:25) At his age, he focuses on managing workload and getting quality reps rather than overexerting himself.

(09:56-11:05) Chose jersey number 3 since his preferred numbers were taken; his wife joked that it represents Bo Jackson, Michael Jordan, and now him as a Chicago athlete.