As the Philadelphia Phillies begin the 2025 MLB season with Ranger Suárez on the shelf, their limited starting pitching options have already forced the wild Taijuan Walker to be put back into the rotation for the time being until Suárez is good to go again.
But do the Phillies have to quickly resort to such a backup option? After all, there actually may be an even better, more reliable option still floating around on the free agent market. That option is none other than former Philadelphia rotation standout Spencer Turnbull.
Why Spencer Turnbull is the perfect cheap pickup for the Phillies' starting depth
It sure wasn’t too long ago that Turnbull appeared to be a decent, viable option for the Phillies' starting five. After signing a one-year deal with Philadelphia during the 2023-24 offseason, the 32-year-old veteran was thrust into the rotation to start the 2024 season when Walker went down with a shoulder injury in spring training.
Taking full advantage of his opportunity, Turnbull dazzled in the role during his first month with his new team. In six games, the Phillies went 5-1 in his starts, while he posted an impressive 1.67 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, .148 opponent batting average, along with 36 strikeouts in just 32 1/3 innings pitched.
However, Philadelphia made a move that they likely now wish they could do over again. With Walker fully recovered from his ailment, he was activated from the IL and reinserted into the rotation, relegating Turnbull to the bullpen. In doing so, both players ended up struggling in their performances in the subsequent months. Turnbull had it worse, suffering what turned out to be a season-ending injury in late June. In the end, he was let go by the Phillies to free agency upon the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Had Turnbull been left in the rotation, who knows if things would have been different for both the Phillies and Turnbull himself. Nevertheless, Philadelphia should seriously consider the opportunity to add some valuable starting pitching depth by potentially giving the veteran right-handed another shot with the ball club. And with Turnbull still lingering in free agency in search of a home, the Phillies should be able to obtain his services at a discounted price, likely equal to or less than the $2 million he made from last season. That would make the bold move a low-risk, high-reward gamble they should immediately undertake.
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