The Chicago Cubs have reached an settlement with right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull, with the commerce deadline looming on July 31, 2025. This transfer comes because the Cubs look to strengthen their roster as they gear up for an important three-game sequence towards the Boston Red Sox at Wrigley Subject.
Spencer Turnbull’s kind
At 32, Spencer Turnbull brings quite a lot of expertise to Chicago’s pitching corps, regardless of a difficult 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Turnbull posted a 7.11 ERA in simply 6.1 innings throughout three appearances earlier than being designated for project on June 27. His struggles in Toronto adopted a late signing in Might, which probably contributed to his underwhelming efficiency.
His fastball velocity, averaging 90.9 mph within the majors this yr, was down from his 92 mph with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024 and 92.9 mph with the Detroit Tigers in 2023.
Regardless of this, Turnbull’s profession 4.31 ERA and a standout 2.65 ERA in 54.1 innings with the Phillies final yr spotlight his potential.
Chicago Cubs’ technique
The Chicago Cubs’ facet is in want of reinforcement, with key gamers like Javier Assad sidelined till August because of an indirect damage. Moreover, Justin Steele is out for the season, and Jameson Taillon is nursing a calf damage. The signing of Turnbull gives much-needed depth to a rotation that features Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Colin Rea.
Turnbull’s signing doesn’t alter Chicago’s plans to pursue at the least one, if not two, beginning pitchers earlier than the commerce deadline. As a substitute, it serves as a low-risk transfer to extend depth amid a season marked by accidents.
Spencer Turnbull’s profession
Drafted by the Detroit Tigers within the second spherical of the 2014 MLB Draft, Turnbull got here into the limelight in 2021 when he threw a no-hitter towards the Seattle Mariners.
His profession, nevertheless, has been stricken by accidents, together with Tommy John surgical procedure that sidelined him for the whole 2022 season. Turnbull has additionally handled lat, again, shoulder, forearm, and neck points, limiting him to simply 363 innings throughout 68 begins and 13 aid appearances within the majors.
Regardless of these setbacks, he confirmed promise in 2019 with a 4.61 ERA over 148.1 innings and improved to a 3.84 ERA from 2020-24, with a 22% strikeout fee.
The Cubs’ transfer so as to add Turnbull to their workforce exhibits they’re being sensible about spending in a tricky commerce market. If Turnbull can pitch effectively once more, he might be a giant assist for the remainder of the season.
