"Padres offer was better" - Phillies insider asserts Trea Turner's promise from management prevents position change from SS despite underperformance
On Friday, Philadelphia Phillies insiders Todd Zolecki and Jim Salisbury, along with former General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr., talked about Trea Turner's performance in the 2024 MLB season. The trio also speculated if a change in Turner's position on the field may prove fruitful for him and the team.
Turner was signed by Philadelphia in December of 2022, after having played for the LA Dodgers in the previous season. The 31-year-old signed an 11-year, $300 million deal, which amounts to approximately $27 million a season.
On October 18's edition of 'The Phillies Show', Todd Zolecki brought up the fact that, statistically, Turner was underperforming at shortstop, expressing his desire to see someone like Bryson Stott get a chance in the position. Jim Salisbury agreed with Zolecki's opinion but explained why a change in their regular shortstop may be unlikely.
"I'm actually in favor of something like that (changing positions), putting [Trea Turner] in left field. Gives you more flexibility this offseason, to maybe make other moves in the infield." Salisbury said [2:16]
"Why do I think they're not moving him? I think he recieved a semi-guarantee that he was going to be the shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies, [with it being a] glamour position. I think if he was going to play a position other than shortstop, he would have taken the San Diego Padres' offer, which was better than the Phillies." Salisbury added [2:33]
Phillies skipper Rob Thomson calls for lower order to learn to "be better hitters"
Philadelphia skipper Rob Thomson took questions from the press during the end of season conference on Tuesday. Despite having a largely successful regular season and winning the NL East division title, Philly was eliminated in the NLDS, outclassed by a spirited New York Mets team.
Asked about his opinion on the performances of the likes of Trea Turner, Bryson Stott and Johan Rojas, Thomson said:
"I think, possibly, at times [they try too hard to hit home runs]. We just want them to be better hitters, get on base, chew up pitches. They'll hit their home runs, especially Stott, he's strong enough, he's going to run into a few. Just be good hitters, be table setters, that's what we're looking for with those guys." Thomson said [26:00]
After another promising campaign ends in heartbreak, Phillies fans will be hoping their team can come back rejuvenated, recharged and motivated for the 2025 MLB season, and finally end Philadelphia's long wait for baseball's biggest prize (since 2008).