Former Alabama pitcher Spencer Turnbull’s professional baseball journey just took another surprising turn! After a tough run with the Iowa Cubs, he’s now seeking new opportunities. What’s next for the talented hurler, and how do other Crimson Tide alums fare in their pro careers? Find out more!
The professional baseball career of former Alabama pitcher Spencer Turnbull has taken another turbulent turn, as the Triple-A Iowa Cubs announced his release on Monday. This development comes after Turnbull, a 32-year-old veteran on the mound, opted out of his minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization, seeking new opportunities following a challenging six-start tenure at the Triple-A level.
Turnbull’s 2025 season has been marked by significant upheaval and a persistent search for stability. After navigating free agency through spring training and the initial weeks of the regular season, he found a temporary home with the Toronto Blue Jays in early May. His stint in the major leagues was brief, encompassing just three appearances before he was designated for assignment, highlighting the precarious nature of professional baseball careers.
The Chicago Cubs then acquired the services of the former Alabama Baseball standout, signing him to a minor league deal on July 12. He was activated by the Iowa Cubs two weeks later on July 27, signaling a fresh start that ultimately proved short-lived. His performance in the MLB this year reflected his struggles, with a 7.11 earned run average across 6.1 innings pitched.
Injury woes have also significantly impacted Turnbull’s trajectory in recent seasons. In 2024, while pitching effectively for the Philadelphia Phillies, a lat strain in June prematurely ended his season. This injury, alongside others, has contributed to a challenging period for the MLB Pitcher, preventing him from regaining consistent form and momentum on the hill since.
The decision to opt out suggests Turnbull is actively pursuing another chance to showcase his abilities and secure a more permanent role in professional baseball. His journey underscores the relentless competition and physical demands faced by athletes striving to make an impact in the highly competitive Minor League Baseball system and beyond.
Beyond the diamond, news from the wider sports world involving former Alabama athletes continues to make headlines. In a significant NFL transaction, three-time All-Pro Micah Parsons was traded by the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers, a move that prompted a reaction from former Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs on social media, underscoring the interconnectedness of the Crimson Tide legacy across professional sports.
Meanwhile, on the hardwood, former Alabama men’s basketball guard Kira Lewis Jr. has made a new career move within the NBA G League. He was acquired by the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks’ affiliate, from the Capital City Go-Go, illustrating the ongoing professional journeys of athletes who honed their skills at Alabama.
These developments collectively offer a snapshot of the dynamic and often unpredictable paths taken by former Alabama stars in the professional sports landscape. From the pitching mound to the football field and the basketball court, their careers continue to captivate fans and exemplify the challenges and opportunities inherent in elite athletics.
