Spencer Turnbull has found a new home with the Chicago Cubs, marking another chapter in the roller-coaster career of the former Tigers ace. The 32-year-old right-hander signed a minor league contract with Chicago on July 18, 2025, just weeks after being released by the Toronto Blue Jays following a disappointing stint that saw him post a 7.11 ERA in three appearances.
From Blue Jays Struggles to Cubs Opportunity
The Cubs’ signing of Spencer Turnbull represents a calculated risk on a pitcher who just two years ago was one of baseball’s most effective swingmen. The veteran right-hander was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on June 25 and released two days later after managing just 6.1 innings of work with Toronto. His brief tenure with the Blue Jays was marked by control issues and poor command, allowing 12 hits and five earned runs while walking four batters.
Turnbull’s struggles in Toronto were particularly concerning given his minor league performance leading up to his call-up. In five starts with Buffalo and Dunedin, he posted a 7.13 ERA over 17.2 innings, suggesting his issues weren’t limited to major league competition. The poor showing represented a dramatic fall from grace for a pitcher who had been one of Philadelphia’s most reliable arms just one season earlier.
The 2024 Philadelphia Success Story
Spencer Turnbull’s 2024 season with the Philadelphia Phillies showcased exactly why the Cubs are willing to take a chance on him. After signing a one-year, $2 million contract with Philadelphia, Turnbull emerged as one of the season’s most surprising success stories. He posted a remarkable 2.65 ERA across 17 appearances, including seven starts, while striking out 58 batters in 54.1 innings.
The turnaround was particularly impressive considering Turnbull’s recent injury history. His success in Philadelphia came after missing significant time due to Tommy John surgery and various other ailments. Turnbull’s early-season performance was especially dominant, as he posted a 1.67 ERA over his first six starts before being moved to the bullpen.
Unfortunately, a lat strain in late June ended Turnbull’s season prematurely, robbing him of the opportunity to build on his success. The injury occurred during a start against his former team, the Detroit Tigers, adding an element of cruel irony to his otherwise triumphant campaign.
The Detroit Tigers Legacy
Spencer Turnbull’s baseball story began in Detroit, where he was drafted in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft. The Tigers invested heavily in his development, and he rewarded their faith with one of the most memorable moments in franchise history. On May 18, 2021, Turnbull threw the eighth no-hitter in Tigers history, blanking the Seattle Mariners 5-0 at T-Mobile Park.
The no-hitter represented the pinnacle of Turnbull’s career to that point. He struck out nine batters while walking only two, needing 117 pitches to complete the masterpiece. The performance came during a breakout season that saw him post a 2.88 ERA over nine starts before injury struck.
Tragically, Turnbull’s ascension was cut short just three weeks later when he suffered a forearm strain that ultimately required Tommy John surgery. The injury ended his 2021 season and cost him the entire 2022 campaign, fundamentally altering his career trajectory.
The Long Road Back from Surgery
Spencer Turnbull’s journey back from Tommy John surgery illustrates the challenges facing modern pitchers. The procedure, performed in July 2021, kept him off the mound for 21 months. His return to competitive baseball came during spring training 2023, when he threw two innings against the Blue Jays on March 4.
The rehabilitation process tested Turnbull’s mental fortitude as much as his physical capabilities. He described the experience as forcing him to confront his identity outside of baseball, saying “Being forced to learn patience, being forced to learn a little bit more about who I am outside of baseball”.
When Turnbull finally returned to the Tigers in 2023, the results were disappointing. He managed just seven starts, posting a 7.26 ERA and 1.68 WHIP before being optioned to Triple-A Toledo. His relationship with the Tigers organization deteriorated during this period, ultimately leading to his non-tender and release in November 2023.
Career Statistics and Performance Trends
Spencer Turnbull’s career statistics reveal a pitcher of considerable talent hampered by inconsistency and injury. Over 81 major league appearances spanning seven seasons, he has compiled a 16-30 record with a 4.31 ERA and 342 strikeouts in 363 innings. His 1.33 career WHIP suggests reasonable command when healthy, though his 9.1% walk rate indicates occasional control issues.
The most telling aspect of Turnbull’s career is the stark contrast between his peak performance and his struggles. His 2021 season, cut short by injury, saw him post a 2.88 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP over 50 innings. Similarly, his 2024 Philadelphia campaign produced a 2.65 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP. These numbers demonstrate his capability when healthy and confident.
Conversely, his injury-shortened seasons and comeback attempts have produced much different results. His 2023 Detroit return yielded a 7.26 ERA, while his 2025 Toronto stint produced a 7.11 ERA. These performances suggest that Spencer Turnbull requires time and proper development to reach his potential.
The Cubs’ Development Strategy
The Cubs’ decision to sign Spencer Turnbull reflects their recent success with reclamation projects. Chicago has built a reputation for identifying undervalued pitchers and helping them rediscover their form through improved mechanics and pitch development. The organization’s track record includes successful rehabilitations of several veteran arms in recent seasons.
Turnbull has been assigned to the Arizona Complex League Cubs, where he will work with the organization’s development staff. This assignment suggests the Cubs plan to completely rebuild his mechanics and approach rather than rush him to the major leagues. The minor league environment will allow Turnbull to regain his confidence without the pressure of immediate major league performance.
The Cubs’ pitching infrastructure, led by their analytical approach and experienced coaching staff, could provide the stability Spencer Turnbull needs to harness his considerable talent. His fastball-slider combination has shown elite potential in the past, and the Cubs’ development program may be exactly what he needs to unlock that potential again.
Injury History and Physical Concerns
Spencer Turnbull’s injury history represents one of the primary concerns about his future effectiveness. The Tommy John surgery in 2021 was just the beginning of a series of physical setbacks that have limited his availability. His 2023 season was interrupted by neck discomfort that required multiple injured list stints.
The lat strain that ended his 2024 Philadelphia season raised additional questions about his durability. Lat injuries are particularly concerning for pitchers because they affect the kinetic chain responsible for generating velocity and command. Turnbull’s struggle to maintain his effectiveness in 2025 may be related to lingering effects from this injury.
Despite these concerns, Spencer Turnbull has shown remarkable resilience in returning from each setback. His successful 2024 season with Philadelphia demonstrated his ability to pitch effectively when healthy. The Cubs’ medical and conditioning staff will play a crucial role in managing his workload and preventing future injuries.
Future Outlook and Expectations
Spencer Turnbull’s future with the Cubs depends largely on his ability to rediscover the form that made him successful in Philadelphia. At 32 years old, he is running out of time to establish himself as a reliable major league contributor. However, his track record suggests that when healthy and confident, he can be a valuable asset to a contending team.
The Cubs’ current rotation has dealt with injuries throughout the 2025 season, creating opportunities for depth additions like Turnbull. If he can regain his command and develop consistency, he could fill a valuable role as a long reliever or spot starter. His experience and past success give him credibility that younger players may lack.
The signing also represents minimal risk for the Cubs, as minor league contracts carry little financial obligation. Spencer Turnbull has the potential to provide significant value if he can stay healthy and rediscover his effectiveness. His journey from no-hitter hero to injury-plagued veteran to potential comeback story embodies the unpredictable nature of baseball careers.
The Broader Context of Second Chances
Spencer Turnbull’s story reflects a broader trend in modern baseball toward giving veteran players multiple opportunities to revive their careers. The Cubs’ willingness to sign him despite his recent struggles demonstrates the value organizations place on proven track records and past success.
The compressed nature of modern baseball seasons means that even short-term contributions can be valuable. Turnbull’s ability to pitch multiple innings in relief could be particularly valuable during the stretch run of a playoff race. His experience in high-pressure situations, including his no-hitter and playoff appearances, could prove invaluable in crucial moments.
The Cubs’ signing of Spencer Turnbull also reflects the organization’s confidence in their player development system. By taking on a project like Turnbull, they demonstrate their belief in their ability to identify and correct mechanical issues that may have contributed to his recent struggles.
Looking Ahead
As Spencer Turnbull begins his journey with the Cubs organization, both player and team face important questions about his future role. The veteran right-hander will need to prove he can consistently command his pitches and maintain his effectiveness over multiple outings. His success or failure in the Cubs’ system could determine whether he continues his major league career or transitions to a different phase of his professional life.
The Cubs, meanwhile, are betting that their development system can unlock the talent that made Turnbull successful in Philadelphia. If successful, they could add a valuable arm to their playoff push at minimal cost. If unsuccessful, they lose little more than a roster spot and some development time.
Spencer Turnbull’s story serves as a reminder of baseball’s unpredictable nature and the importance of perseverance in professional sports. His journey from promising prospect to Tommy John surgery to no-hitter hero to injury-plagued veteran to potential comeback story illustrates the challenges facing modern pitchers. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Cubs, Turnbull carries the hopes of proving that talent and determination can overcome even the most significant setbacks.
The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Spencer Turnbull can add another successful chapter to his already eventful career or if his best days remain in the past. Either way, his story continues to captivate baseball fans who appreciate the human elements of America’s pastime.
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