The Chicago Cubs have signed Spencer Turnbull, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Friday.
Spencer Turnbull goes to the Cubs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 18, 2025
Turnbull, 32, has made 81 appearances over seven Major League seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays, throwing 363 career innings with a 4.31 ERA and a 1.333 WHIP.
Turnbull signed with the Blue Jays on May 5, pitching in the minors until he was called up to Toronto on June 9. He saw limited action in Hogtown, throwing just 6 1/3 innings over three appearances before being designated for assignment on June 25 and released two days later.
Throughout his career, Turnbull has show potential but been hampered by injuries, undergoing Tommy John surgery that caused him to miss the whole season in 2022, and has spent time on the Injured List with back injuries twice, as well as neck, shoulder, elbow, and forearm issues, as well time in the Covid-19 protocol during his career. He joins the Cubs on a minor league contract, and has been assigned to the Arizona Complex League.
Currently atop the National League Central with a 58-39 record, the Cubs are likely to add at least one starter before the trade deadline. The Cubs are down two starters on the depth chart, with Javier Assad out with an oblique injury and Jameson Taillon dealing with a calf injury.
Turnbull is a potential spot starter for them down the stretch, and might be able to contribute in a long relief role should he be able to secure a roster spot on the north side.
Photo: Spencer Turnbull with a new baseball during the second inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
