The Philadelphia Phillies have made a move to bolster their pitching depth, agreeing to a one-year, $2 million contract with right-hander Spencer Turnbull. The deal, reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, includes the potential for an additional $2 million in incentives. Turnbull, a Boras Corporation client, was left unsigned by the Detroit Tigers after they non-tendered him in November.

Turnbull's arbitration projection for this season was $2.4 million, making the contract with the Phillies a reasonable one. However, it is believed that clashes over service time and his injury history were contributing factors to the Tigers' decision. Turnbull had missed almost three full seasons due to various health issues before making his return last year.

Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, is familiar with Turnbull's abilities, having been in charge of the Tigers when they drafted him in the second round in 2014. Despite battling some shoulder problems during his early years in the minors, Turnbull made his MLB debut in 2018 and showed promise during the 2019 season, despite leading the league in losses.

In 2020-2021, Turnbull's potential was further realized as he posted a 3.46 ERA over 106 2/3 innings. The highlight of his season came on May 18, 2021, when he pitched a no-hitter. However, his season was cut short after three more appearances, as he underwent Tommy John surgery.

Upon his return in 2022, Turnbull struggled, posting a 7.26 ERA over seven starts. He was eventually sidelined due to a neck discomfort, which led to his placement on the injured list. Turnbull's demotion to the minors also caused some friction, exacerbated by a foot injury at the time. However, in November, he was awarded a full year of MLB service time after appealing, giving him five years and 20 days of acknowledged big league service.

With his new contract, Turnbull will be looking for a fresh start in Philadelphia under Dombrowski's leadership once again. The Phillies, who were in search of additional pitching depth, faced challenges in attracting pitchers seeking more playing time opportunities. Turnbull's recent injury history may have dampened his market, but he now has the chance to prove himself in Philadelphia.

Turnbull joins Dylan Covey, Kolby Allard, Nick Nelson, and Max Castillo as the top rotation depth options for the Phillies. While any of these pitchers could also contribute in the bullpen, Turnbull's guaranteed contract gives him a leg up on the competition. While a transition to the bullpen could be a potential career path, it is too early to rule out his ability to start.

The Phillies hope that Turnbull's addition will fortify their pitching staff, which already boasts a solid rotation and bullpen mix. With his experience and potential, Turnbull has the opportunity to make a significant impact and prove his worth in a Phillies uniform. The upcoming season will be a crucial one for the 31-year-old as he looks to revitalize his career and contribute to the team's success.