Trea Turner’s tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies has been marked by dramatic highs and lows since signing his 11-year, $300 million contract after the 2022 season.
The Phillies pursued Turner as their solution at shortstop, and fans’ excitement peaked during the 2023 World Baseball Classic when he hit five home runs with a Ruthian 1.483 OPS.
That enthusiasm quickly faded as Turner struggled both offensively and defensively in his early months with Philadelphia, leading to calls for his benching. The tide turned that August when fans at Citizens Bank Park offered him a standing ovation following a difficult series in Miami. Turner responded by playing like one of baseball’s elite performers for the remainder of the season.
Despite earning the National League’s starting shortstop role in the All-Star Game last season, Turner was limited to 121 games due to a hamstring injury. His struggles returned in the playoffs, where he hit just .200 with a .494 OPS and five strikeouts during the Phillies’ four-game NLDS loss to the New York Mets.
When Turner signed his contract, many expected an eventual position change to the outfield. Recent comments from Dave Dombrowski suggest that transition might come sooner than anticipated.
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Top Philadelphia Phillies prospect will be playing shortstop this spring
Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, told The Athletic’s Matt Gelb that top prospect Aidan Miller will play shortstop this spring. The decision came after meetings with team officials and coaches.
“The reason that we have him in camp is because we think he’s a good player,” Dombrowski told The Athletic. “He might come very quickly.”
While Miller isn’t expected to debut until 2026, his development could force several roster moves. If Miller establishes himself at shortstop, Turner could shift to left field, especially with Max Kepler’s one-year deal expiring and Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas controlling center field.
Alternatively, the Phillies could put Alec Bohm back on the trade block, allowing Miller to play third base while keeping Turner at shortstop. However, Turner’s 40 errors over two seasons with Philadelphia suggest a move to the outfield might benefit the team’s up-the-middle defense in coming years.
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