The Blue Jays bolstered their pitching staff Saturday, signing Spencer Turnbull and José Ureña to MLB contracts as they address rotation and bullpen needs.
Toronto’s been facing a gap in their rotation with Max Scherzer sidelined, plus they’ve needed a reliable long reliever. These signings come just a day after GM Ross Atkins telegraphed the moves.
“We also need to consider external alternatives, and we have a couple of things in the works there that are more on the depth front via free agency,” Atkins said.
Turnbull, who’s been available all offseason, recently showcased his stuff for scouts after a solid 2023 campaign with Philadelphia. The 31-year-old right-hander posted a 2.65 ERA while going 3-0 across 17 appearances last season, including seven starts. He’s also thrown a no-hitter in his career, blanking the Mariners in 2021 while with Detroit.
Ureña brings a veteran presence after being cut loose by the Mets. The 32-year-old struggled in his lone appearance this season, surrendering five runs over three innings. That said, he brings considerable experience with 233 career MLB games (152 starts) and a 4.80 lifetime ERA.
What’s interesting is how these moves give Toronto flexibility. Both pitchers can compete for the fifth starter role, with the other sliding into that crucial long relief spot. It’s a low-risk move that addresses two needs simultaneously.
The timing makes sense for the Jays, who sit at 16-16 and third place in the competitive AL East, three games behind the Yankees. With the rotation stabilized by Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, José Berríos and Yusei Kikuchi, adding depth now could help them keep pace in what’s shaping up to be a tight division race.
