With the trade deadline approaching on July 31, 2025, the Chicago Cubs have secured a deal with right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull in a strategic effort to boost their roster ahead of a pivotal three-game series against the Boston Red Sox at Wrigley Field.
Turnbull’s Current Form
Now 32, Turnbull brings veteran experience to the Cubs’ pitching lineup, despite enduring a difficult 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He recorded a 7.11 ERA over just 6.1 innings in three outings before being designated for assignment on June 27. His delayed signing in May is believed to have contributed to his struggles in Toronto.
Turnbull’s fastball velocity has declined slightly, averaging 90.9 mph this season—down from 92 mph with the Phillies in 2024 and 92.9 mph during his time with the Tigers in 2023.
Still, his career stats reflect promise, including a solid 4.31 ERA overall and an impressive 2.65 ERA across 54.1 innings for Philadelphia last year.
Cubs’ Pitching Needs
The Cubs are in need of rotation support, with key pitchers like Javier Assad out until August due to an oblique injury, Justin Steele ruled out for the season, and Jameson Taillon recovering from a calf issue. Turnbull’s addition brings valuable depth to a rotation already featuring Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Colin Rea.
Despite bringing in Turnbull, the Cubs are still expected to pursue at least one or two more starting pitchers before the trade window closes. His signing is considered a low-risk move aimed at shoring up depth during a season heavily impacted by injuries.
Career Background
Turnbull, a second-round pick by the Detroit Tigers in the 2014 MLB Draft, gained attention in 2021 after pitching a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners. His career has been hampered by a series of injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2022 and recurring issues with his lat, back, shoulder, forearm, and neck. These health setbacks have limited him to 363 innings over 68 starts and 13 relief appearances.
Even so, he posted a 4.61 ERA in 2019 over 148.1 innings and maintained a 3.84 ERA between 2020 and 2024, along with a respectable 22% strikeout rate.
Turnbull’s addition signals that the Cubs are taking a cost-effective, cautious approach in a tight trade market. If he can return to form, he could provide meaningful contributions down the stretch of the season.