Atlanta Braves Eyeing Spencer Turnbull to Fill Rotation Spot
The Atlanta Braves are actively seeking a solution to round out their starting rotation. Currently, they have four confirmed starters: Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach. With the need for a reliable No. 5 starter, one potential option could come from a former division rival, the Philadelphia Phillies—Spencer Turnbull.
Turnbull, now a free agent, is seeking an opportunity to rejoin a rotation and could provide significant value to any team looking for pitching depth. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter highlighted Turnbull as one of the market’s “huge buy-low upside” candidates, noting that Turnbull’s value has been undervalued after an injury-plagued year.
“An injury to Taijuan Walker last spring opened the door for Spencer Turnbull to start the year in the Phillies’ rotation after he signed a one-year, $2 million deal during the offseason. He responded by posting a 1.67 ERA in 32.1 innings over six starts,” Reuter wrote. In hindsight, the Phillies may have benefited from keeping Turnbull in their rotation for a longer stretch. Although he missed a significant portion of the season due to injury, Turnbull’s ability to perform in a starting role has been proven.
Turnbull, who previously pitched for the Detroit Tigers, recorded a solid 4.13 ERA over the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons. During those years, he averaged at least seven strikeouts per nine innings. In 2019, he delivered 2.5 WAR in 30 starts for the Tigers.
After earning $2.2 million in 2024, Turnbull is now in line for a pay raise, with his market value estimated at $4.4 million. He could sign either a one- or two-year deal. For a team like the Braves, who are looking to add depth to their rotation, Turnbull represents a potential high-value signing for the back end of their starting staff.
