"I think we've got the right amount of talent and guys who want to get better" - Trea Turner confident that Philadelphia Phillies have perfect mix of players to be in World Series contention once again
Heading into the 2022 offseason, shortstop Trea Turner was a name that any team of requisite means was interested in. It now appears that Turner is as confident as ever with his ultimate decision.
He began his career with the Washington Nationals and came second in the NL Rookie of the Year Award voting in 2016. Three seasons later, he won the World Series, the first in Nats franchise history.
In 2021, Turner was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and that same season, he hit .328, with 195 total hits and 32 stolen bases, leading the league in all three categories.
After his 1-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers expired after the 2022 season, Turner hit the free agency market for the first time in his MLB career.
Trea Turner is a Philadelphia Phillie and the # 1 Shortstop in MLB 🤩 https://t.co/YaZuWSvy82
"Trea Turner is a Philadelphia Phillie and the # 1 Shortstop in MLB" - @ Justin Lever
He eventually chose to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, the 2022 National League champs. The deal, worth $300 million over 11 years, was penned on December 8th, 2022.
In a recent interview with Corey Seidman of NBC Sports, the 29-year old opened up about his decision to sign with the Phillies. He said:
"Talent doesn't always win, you've got to put the work in and execute. I think we've got the right amount of talent and guys who want to get better."
Trea Turner continued on to explain how the Phillies' mix of young talent and veteran experience was a big reason why the team made it all the way to the 2022 World Series.
Trea Turner, Bryson Stott, Scott Kingery arrive for first full squad work out for Phillies at #SpringTraining2023 ⚾️☀️ https://t.co/cChaw0o17k
"Trea Turner, Bryson Stott, Scott Kingery arrive for first full squad work out for Phillies at #SpringTraining2023" - @ John Clark
Although the Phillies eventually fell to the Houston Astros 3-2 in the series score of the fall classic, Turner was undeterred. Two of the Phillies' top bats are Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, both of whom were teammates of Turner's during his days with the Washington Nationals.
Trea Turner could end up playing an ever bigger role than he imagined on the Philadelphia Phillies
Both Schwarber and Harper appeared in the lead-off spot last season. However, it is likely that Turner will take priority for the role. Moreover, it was announced in January that Bryce Harper likely won't be back in the lineup until mid-summer due to Tommy John surgery.
Whatever role Turner is placed in, he has shown to be one of the most versatile and dependable players in the MLB over recent years, and thus will not likely have any issues adjusting to whatever is asked of him.