Trea Turner has been one of the biggest disappointments of the MLB season to date. Can he turn his season around for the Philadelphia Phillies?
The Philadelphia Phillies ended the 2022 season on a bittersweet note — victors in the National League, but losers in the World Series. With Bryce Harper in MVP form and strong bats all around him, the Phillies were widely expected to contend in 2023.
To double down on their title pursuit, the Phillies signed two-time All-Star and 2022 Silver Slugger Trea Turner in December. Turner's contract was for $300 million over 11 years: a significant investment from a franchise clearly willing to spend big on a contender.
So far, the return on investment has been middling at best. Turner is batting .256 with only four home runs and 11 RBI through 46 games. The Phillies' lead-off man hasn't made an impact in the win column either. The reigning NL champs are currently 22-25, fourth in their division.
Trea Turner knows he must be better for the Philadelphia Phillies
Turner was showered with boos during the Phillies' 6-3 loss to Arizona on Monday. In classic Philly fashion, the fanbase is starting to turn on Turner — and the fanbase will remain "turned" until he earns back their goodwill.
Philadelphia can be a difficult sports town to play in. Some athletes handle the criticism and tough love better than others. Just last season, Alec Bohm was widely panned for muttering "I hate this f—ing place" under his breath. He too was the subject of boos. Bohm, however, earned his way back into the hearts of Philly fans with strong play. Turner will now look to do the same.
"I'm honest with myself, I've sucked," Turner told ESPN. "Every at-bat, every play, every game is another day to try to do better and try to be the player that I know I am."
Turner certainly has the right mindset. Slumps are a common phase for every baseball player; even the best hitters are bound to hit a wall at some point. Turner is still adjusting to life in a new city and with a new team. The Phillies are only 47 games into a 162-game season. Patience is the right approach here, both for Turner and for the fanbase.
Philadelphia signed Turner with hopes of All-Star production at shortstop. That hasn't come to fruition yet, but Turner is far from the only person to blame for the Phillies' slow start. Kyle Schwarber, last season's home run champ, is batting .177 with only 12 home runs compared to 59 strike outs.
The fans will continue to express displeasure with Turner and the team as a whole until things turn around. The Phillies set the bar high with their World Series appearance. Now, they have to prove their mettle in the face of adversity.
