Fri Jul 18 16:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Cubs Bolster Pitching Depth with Spencer Turnbull Signing**

**CHICAGO, IL (July 18, 2025)** – The Chicago Cubs have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull, according to sources. The deal comes after Turnbull’s recent release from the Toronto Blue Jays. The exact terms of the contract – whether it’s a major or minor league deal – are still pending confirmation.

Turnbull, 32, offers much-needed depth to a Cubs rotation currently battling injuries to key starters Justin Steele (season-ending), Javier Assad (oblique), and Jameson Taillon (calf). Chicago also recently optioned Ben Brown to AAA.

Turnbull had a promising 2024 season with the Phillies, posting a 2.65 ERA across 54.1 innings, but has struggled to regain that form this year. After signing a prorated $1.27MM deal with Toronto in early May, he only made three appearances for the Blue Jays, struggling with command and velocity. His fastball, which averaged 92 mph in previous seasons, dipped below 91 mph in his limited MLB work this year.

Despite recent struggles, Turnbull has a track record of productivity when healthy. From 2020-2024, he put up a 3.84 ERA with a 22% strikeout rate across 192 innings. However, injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2022 and numerous IL stints, have hampered his ability to establish himself.

“We’re not relying on Spencer to be a savior, but he provides another valuable option to evaluate,” a team source stated. “Given our current injury situation, adding arms is a priority.”

The current Cubs rotation consists of Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Colin Rea. The Cubs are expected to actively pursue at least one more starting pitcher prior to the July 31st trade deadline. Turnbull’s signing provides additional security and flexibility should any further injuries arise.

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