Breaking: Phillies Sign 31-Year Old Pitcher to Sure up Pitching Depth

With just three days until pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater, the Philadelphia Phillies added another piece of depth to their starting pitchers, singing former Detriot Tiger Spencer Turnbull.

Spencer Turnbull

The $2 million plus $2 million in incentives comes after a bit of a complicated divorce from the Tigers. Turnbull was optioned in August by Detroit while dealing with a foot injury. He successfully reversed two minor-league options with a pair of injuries in the 2023 campaign. Turnbull hit the open market after being non-tendered by the Tigers in November.

To close the odd chapter in Detriot, the MLB Players Association said the Tigers reversed the options and gave the 31-year-old full MLB service for the 2023 season. Well why does this matter?

Giving Turnbull the full year of service time pushes him past five years of service time. Now a team can’t option him to the minor leagues without his consent in 2024 or beyond. Plus, he qualified for free agency.

Turnbull was optioned to Triple-A Toledo twice by the Tigers last season: May 7 and August 23. He dealt with neck injuries and a cracked toenail during the 2023 season. Turnbull is a former second-round pick in the 2014 draft.

He had a 4.55 ERA with 119 walks and 280 strikeouts over 302.1 innings in 61 games over five seasons with the Tigers. Turnbull missed the entire 2022 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Phillies Add Depth

Spencer Turnbull will be invited to Spring Training to showcase his talents.

He will likely be used as a depth piece moving forward and gives the Phillies options as they get ready to kick off the 2024 season.

Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)