Blue Jays, RHP Spencer Turnbull agree to big-league deal pending physical
The Toronto Blue Jays and right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull have agreed to a big-league deal pending a physical, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reported Saturday.
TORONTO – The Blue Jays are in agreement with right-hander Spencer Turnbull on a major-league contract pending a physical, industry sources told Sportsnet.
When he joins the Blue Jays, Turnbull will deepen the Toronto pitching staff, providing manager John Schneider with experience as a starting pitcher and a reliever. The 32-year-old pitched for the Phillies last year, starting seven games and pitching another 10 times in relief on the way to a 2.54 ERA in 54.1 innings with 58 strikeouts compared to 20 walks.
He finished the 2024 season on the injured list with a lat strain and elected free agency on Oct. 31. On March 23 he threw for scouts at a showcase, but he remained unsigned until the Blue Jays reached an agreement with Turnbull, a Scott Boras client.
While opposing hitters can expect to see lots of 92 m.p.h. four-seam fastballs and 84 m.p.h. sweepers from Turnbull, he throws a wide arsenal including sinkers, curveballs, sliders and change-ups. It’s unclear how much time he’ll need to ramp up but given his track record and versatility (67 career starts, 11 career relief appearances), there will be room for him once he’s ready to pitch at the MLB level.
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Originally selected in the second round of the 2014 draft, Turnbull made a career-high 30 starts in 2019, logging 148.1 innings. He improved during the pandemic summer of 2020 and then took another step forward in 2021, pitching to a 2.88 ERA in nine starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He didn’t return until 2023.
The pending move comes a day after GM Ross Atkins hinted that the Blue Jays continue talking actively to free agents.
“We also need to consider external alternatives and we have a couple of things in the works there that are more on the depth front via free agency,” Atkins said at Rogers Centre Friday afternoon.
Beyond Turnbull, the Blue Jays also remain engaged with righty Casey Lawrence, who this week was claimed off waivers before pitching in Tuesday’s game and being promptly designated for assignment. He has since elected free agency, and is believed to be garnering interest from other clubs, as well.
