The Chicago Cubs are set to sign journeyman right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull ahead of their series against the Boston Red Sox.
Cubs Set to Sign Right-Handed Pitcher Spencer Turnbull Ahead of Red Sox Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Cubs are in the market for multiple starters at this year's MLB trade deadline. With the offense being so incredible, the Cubs' starting rotation is the only thing left to upgrade.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cubs have started addressing their rotation. They are set to sign journeyman right-handed starter Spencer Turnbull to a deal.
Spencer Turnbull goes to the Cubs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 18, 2025
The Cubs' rotation, after losing Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, and Javier Assad, is in need of more arms. Turnbull, a 32-year-old veteran right-hander, is an addition to the rotation with less than two weeks until the trade deadline.
While Turnbull struggled in his three appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays this season, with a 7.11 ERA across 6.1 innings, he entered the year coming off an incredible stint with the Philadelphia Phillies.
In 2024, across 17 games and seven starts, Turnbull in Philadelphia had a 2.65 ERA, a 3-0 record, and, through 54.1 innings, struck out 58 batters and walked 20.
For the bulk of his career, Turnbull has been an above-average pitcher. He's rotated between the rotation and the bullpen in recent years, after spending five seasons in Detroit as a starter.
Chicago brings Turnbull in as a potential rotation piece, who could also move back to the bullpen if the Cubs add more starters, or get Taillon back later this season.
But, regardless of his long-term role, Turnbull should slide into the Cubs' pitching staff as a versatile piece who can start or come out of the bullpen. The Cubs will be Turnbull's fourth team in his MLB career, and his second this season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
