Shortstop Trea Turner was on fire in the World Baseball Classic. But he's struggling early on in his first season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Last season, the Philadelphia Phillies were two wins away from winning their first World Series since 2008 but fell in six games to the Houston Astros. This offseason, the Phillies went for the all-in, win-now move, signing former Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner to a massive 11-year, $300 million contract. With this, the Phillies would have a top-tier, long-term answer at shortstop.
The Phillies faithful got a preview of what Turner could bring to the team while playing for the United States in the World Baseball Classic, as he hit five home runs and knocked in 11 runs in six games. The fanbase was certain that this would carry over to the season.
So far, it hasn't. Turner has fewer home runs and RBIs to his credit through 44 games in the 2023 season than he did in the limited amount of time playing in the WBC.
Phillies not seeing Trea Turner from the WBC so far this season
For those curious, here are Turner's statistics from the WBC and so far this MLB season entering Sunday:
- WBC (6 games): 5 home runs, 6 runs scored, 9 hits, 11 RBI, .391 batting average, .440 on-base percentage, 1.043 slugging percentage, 1.483 OPS
- Phillies (44 games): 4 home runs, 24 runs scored, 48 hits, 10 RBI, .257 batting average, .302 on-base percentage, .390 slugging percentage, .692 OPS
Turner was benched this past Saturday after going 0-for-4 the day prior against the Chicago Cubs. But, he was in the lineup for Philadelphia on Sunday, where recorded one hit and struck out twice in four at-bats in the team's 2-1 win.
Is it time for Phillies fans to panic? Not necessarily. There are still four months left in the season! So, there's plenty of time for Turner to go on a hot streak in the batter's box.