The Atlanta Braves are exploring options to complete their starting rotation. At the moment, their rotation includes Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach, leaving a need for a fifth starter. One intriguing option could be Spencer Turnbull, a former pitcher for their division rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies.
Turnbull is a free agent seeking a spot in a team’s rotation. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has highlighted Turnbull as one of seven players on the market with significant “buy-low upside.”
Reuter wrote, “An injury to Taijuan Walker last spring gave Spencer Turnbull an opportunity in the Phillies’ rotation after signing a one-year, $2 million deal in the offseason. He delivered with a 1.67 ERA across 32.1 innings in six starts.”
While Turnbull’s season was cut short due to injury, the Phillies likely could have benefited from keeping him in their rotation longer. Despite missing time, Turnbull has proven his potential to succeed as a starter.
Previously with the Detroit Tigers, Turnbull posted a 4.13 ERA over the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons, with a strikeout rate of at least seven batters per nine innings each year. He accumulated 2.5 WAR in 2019, making 30 starts for the Tigers.
After earning $2.2 million last season, Turnbull is expected to see a salary increase in 2025, with his market value estimated at $4.4 million. He could sign a one- or two-year deal, offering excellent value for a team in need of reliable back-end rotation depth.
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