Jacob Edward Turner (born May 21, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Washington Nationals. He also played in the KBO League for the Kia Tigers.
High school career
During his career playing for Westminster Christian Academy in Town and Country, Missouri, Turner compiled a win–loss record of 20–4 as well as two saves and 187 strikeouts. Turner, who could throw during his freshman year in high school, reached in his senior year. He worked with former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Todd Worrell, and also received coaching from former MLB catcher Mike Matheny throughout his time at Westminster.
Before the 2009 MLB Draft, Turner had committed to attend University of North Carolina to play college baseball for the North Carolina Tar Heels baseball team under head coach Mike Fox.
Professional career
Detroit Tigers
Turner was drafted ninth overall, in the first round of 2009 Major League Baseball Draft by the Detroit Tigers. Turner signed a major league contract with the Tigers for a guaranteed $5.5 million, with the potential to reach $7 million. Turner is represented by sports agent Scott Boras. He was placed on the Detroit Tigers 40-man roster in November 2009.
Prior to the 2010 season, Turner was named the 26th best prospect in baseball according to Baseball America The same publication lists Turner as the No. 1 prospect in the Tigers system.
Turner began his career with the Tigers' minor league A level affiliate West Michigan Whitecaps. On June 23, 2010 Turner was promoted to the Tigers' high A affiliate, the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
Turner began the 2011 season at the Tigers' Double-A affiliate, the Erie SeaWolves. He was named the No. 1 Tigers prospect by Baseball America, who also stated he had the best curveball and changeup in the system. Overall, Turner was listed as the 21st best prospect in baseball by Baseball America, and the 15th best by MLB.com On July 30, 2011, Turner was recalled to replace Charlie Furbush, who was traded to the Seattle Mariners. He was sent down to the minor leagues after his debut, but was brought back up to the major league club when the major league rosters expanded to 40 players on September 1.
Miami Marlins
On July 23, 2012, the Tigers traded Turner, Rob Brantly, and Brian Flynn to the Miami Marlins for Aníbal Sánchez and Omar Infante. During the rest of the 2012 season, Turner compiled a 1–4 record with a 3.38 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in seven starts (42.2 innings).
Turner posted a 3.74 ERA in 20 starts for the 2013 Marlins, but only went 3–8 as his team finished dead last in runs scored that season. After pitching to a 4–7 record and a 5.97 ERA in 20 games in 2014, he was designated for assignment on August 5, 2014.
Chicago Cubs
On August 8, 2014, the Chicago Cubs acquired Turner from the Marlins for two minor league relief pitchers. He pitched in eight games with the Cubs, with a 2–4 record and 6.49 ERA.
Turner was diagnosed with a flexor strain and bone bruise on March 10, 2015, and placed on the disabled list six days later. He was moved to the 60-day disabled list on April 19.
Chicago White Sox
Turner was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox on October 27, 2015. On December 2, they did not tender him a contract for the 2016 season, making him a free agent. Two days later, he re-signed with the White Sox on a one-year contract for $1.5 million. After left handed starter Carlos Rodon landed on the disabled list, the White Sox called up Turner to take his spot in the rotation. After allowing 12 runs in 2 starts for Chicago, Turner was sent to the bullpen.
Washington Nationals
Turner became a free agent after the 2016 season and signed with the Nationals on a minor league deal, which included an invitation to spring training. He did not make the Opening Day roster but had his contract purchased from the Class-AAA Syracuse Chiefs of the International League for a spot start against the Colorado Rockies on April 24. Turner remained with the team, transitioning to a bullpen role. He earned his first win with the Nationals on May 3, pitching four scoreless innings in relief against the Arizona Diamondbacks.