In a move that strengthens their pitching staff and adds a veteran presence with high-upside potential, the Toronto Blue Jays officially signed right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull to a one-year contract, bringing the former Alabama standout north of the border for the 2025 season. The signing was confirmed on Monday, though initial terms were not disclosed. However, MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post later reported the salary details behind the deal.
Turnbull, 31, made headlines in 2024 for his comeback campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 17 appearances, he posted an impressive 2.65 earned run average (ERA), reestablishing himself as a dependable arm after several injury-plagued seasons. Unfortunately, his resurgence was cut short in June due to a lat strain that landed him on the injured list. Still, his performance prior to the injury proved he could thrive at the big-league level when healthy.
Best known for tossing a no-hitter in May 2021 during his time with the Detroit Tigers, Turnbull’s career has seen its share of highs and lows. Just two months after that career-defining moment, he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2021 season and the entirety of 2022. His return to action in 2023 was anything but smooth. Struggling with command and consistency, Turnbull was optioned to Triple-A and later placed on the 60-day injured list once again.
Despite the setbacks, Turnbull’s raw talent and tenacity kept him in the mix. The Phillies saw enough promise to offer him a one-year contract ahead of the 2024 season. It was a gamble that paid off—until injury struck once again. His ability to keep hitters off balance with a diverse pitch mix, including a mid-90s fastball, sharp slider, and effective changeup, turned heads around the league.
The Blue Jays are clearly betting on Turnbull’s upside. Toronto’s rotation, which has been solid but at times inconsistent, could benefit greatly from a healthy Turnbull. If he can replicate even a portion of his early-2024 form, the Jays may have snagged one of the most underrated arms on the market.
Turnbull’s journey is emblematic of the highs and lows that define many MLB careers. From collegiate star at Alabama to no-hitter hero in Detroit, through injury despair and minor league stints, his resilience remains one of his defining traits. Now with a fresh start in Toronto, Turnbull has a new chapter to write.
For the Blue Jays, it’s a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. For Turnbull, it’s a chance at redemption and stability. And for baseball fans, it’s one more storyline to follow as the 2025 MLB season draws closer.
Could Turnbull be the under-the-radar addition that pushes the Jays back into contention? Only time will tell, but the stage is set.
