Blue Jays Sign 2 Veteran Pitchers To Major League Deals

The Toronto Blue Jays have added some depth to their pitching staff by signing two big league veterans to major league deals. Clearly, depth is needed, as witnessed by their taxed bullpen surrendering four runs in the 9th inning on Saturday to blow a 3-2 lead in a 5-3 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

The day began with the signing of former Detroit Tigers starter Spencer Turnbull, and then moved forward with an agreement with Jose Urena.

The Blue Jays have signed pitchers Spencer Turnbull and José Ureña to major-league deals, pending physicals, per @bnicholsonsmith and @ShiDavidi ✍️ pic.twitter.com/Nc6204sCD1
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 3, 2025

Turnbull, who started his career with five years in Detroit, lost an entire season in 2022 to Tommy John surgery. He split his time between starting and relieving with the Philadelphia Phillies last year. In 7 games as a starter he had an excellent 1.78 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. He was then moved to the bullpen where the results dipped a bit, as he posted a 4.26 ERA as a reliever, though he maintained better than a strikeout per inning in both roles.

Overall, he has a career 4.26 ERA in his six seasons in the bigs.

Urena is an 11-year veteran who has been both a starter and reliever. Last year with the Texas Rangers he was solid in both roles, posting a 3.80 ERA in 109 innings.

Blue Jays add much-needed pitching depth

Blue Jays reporters Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith recap the team's new additions:

"This is absolutely pitching depth."@ArdenZwelling and @ShiDavidi break down what the José Ureña and Spencer Turnbull signings mean for the Blue Jays. pic.twitter.com/r0DP9pDPgY
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 3, 2025