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Aaliyan Mohammed is a Newsweek contributor based in Atlanta, GA. His focus is MLB content. Aaliyan has been with Newsweek since 2024 and previously worked at MLB.com, Wisconsin Sports Heroics and Heavy.com. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University. You can get in touch with Aaliyan by emailing [email protected]
Aaliyan Mohammed
Contributing Sports Writer
news article
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Chicago Cubs have a 3 1/2 game lead in the National League Central entering play on Tuesday. While they have looked like a great team, they have room to improve their roster.
First base could be a spot the Cubs target before the trade deadline. Michael Busch has a .950 OPS this year and has been a pleasant surprise for the Cubs. However, the Cubs may not trust him against left-handed pitching. He has just 47 at-bats against southpaws on the season.
Justin Turner was figured to be a platoon partner for Busch. He has not been great, and if the Cubs continue to limit Busch against lefties, they will need to find a better platoon partner than Turner. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman predicted that Turner would not be on the roster after the trade deadline.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 07: Chicago Cubs President Jed Hoyer talks on the phone before a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on May 07, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Griffin Quinn/Getty Images
“He’s been somewhat decent against left-handed pitching, as he has a .675 OPS against southpaws, but even that mark is below league-average, especially for a platoon player,” wrote Rotman. “If the Cubs don’t want to play Busch against lefties, they must find a better option than Turner. It was fair to give him some leash, given his track record, but it’s July. It’s time for the Cubs to admit this offseason mistake and find a better fit.”
Turner is a versatile defender, giving the Cubs an option at both corner infield spots. However, if the Cubs want to maintain their lead in the division, Turner is not going to cut it, unless Busch starts playing against lefties.
Turner is a two-time All-Star, but he is now in his 17th season. He has not been an All-Star since 2021, and he is having the worst season of his long career.
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