The Marlins have agreed to a contract with righty Jacob Turner, according to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag (via Twitter). Details of the pact are not yet apparent.
Now 26, Turner spent parts of three seasons with the Marlins earlier in his career. The former top prospect was acquired in the swap that sent Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante to the Tigers.
Things never went quite as hoped for Turner, who turned in twenty starts of 3.74 ERA ball in 2013 but without the peripherals to match. He struggled badly in 2014 and ended up heading to the Cubs in a DFA-limbo swap that kicked off something of a journeyman existence of late.
Most recently, Turner stepped into a swingman role for the Nationals. In 39 MLB frames in the 2017 season, he worked to a 5.08 ERA with 5.3 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9. Though he averaged a career-high 95.6 mph on his four-seamer while spending most of his time in the bullpen, Turner generated only a 6.0% swinging-strike rate.
It’s conceivable that Turner will compete for a rotation or bullpen spot in Miami. The Marlins are obviously on the hunt for affordable pitching as they oversee a payroll-paring effort this winter.
I can’t believe how young he still is, also, he was pretty good for the nationals last season, even though he had a high era
He gave up 10 hits per 9 innings, almost 2 HRs per 9 and his WHIP was almost 1.5. What part of his performance with the Nationals would you describe as “pretty good”?
well, at least it started off good I mean. he gave them some innings
He’s so young and feels like he’s been around forever because he’s one of the victims of Dealer Dave’s super premature promotions.
Totally agree, Kayrall. It was so exciting to see him come up so quickly, but it was not needed. Hope he can rebound with the Marlins and reinvent himself as a reliever.
He’ll fit right in
Even when they try to get better, they get worse.
Hill – arious.
How does this guy keep hanging on? Many teams have cut him already and he’s never been successful.
Turner’s career path has him becoming the poor man’s Edwin Jackson, if you can imagine that.
Sorry, but that’s a horrible comparison. Jackson had some quality years in TB and other teams. Turner has yet to do anything
That’s why he’d be considered the poor man’s Edwin Jackson. You sign Turner if you can’t afford EJ.
Need to find innings somehow.
Can’t believe Jeter is signing these bums, let our guys play, see what they got.