Trea Turner has had a rollercoaster first three seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite being named an All-Star Game starter in 2024 and being a key contributor in the team’s lineup, Turner hasn’t won over every Phillies fan.
Some fans don’t believe Turner was worth the $300 million contract the Phillies gave him before the 2023 season. If the first four months of his contract were any indication, it seemed as though the fans were right. That was until Phillies fans decided to show their support for the struggling star by giving Turner a standing ovation in a home game against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 4, 2023.
Turner had a strong finish to the 2023 season after the ovation, was tied with Houston Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve for the ninth-highest batting average (.295) in 2024 and has the second-most hits in the majors (151) this season behind Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop Bo Bichette.
Trea Turner fueling Phillies to second consecutive NL East title
Although the Phillies’ offense experiences frustrating cold streaks, the lineup is among the best in baseball. Turner has been an above-average table setter at the top of the Phillies’ lineup and is a large reason why the team is in first place in the NL East.
Like any other player, Turner goes through slumps from time to time. The 162-game season is long and exhausting, and no player is going to be perfect all year long.
Turner was hitting .301 in early July, but the 32-year-old cooled off as the month progressed. He hit a season-low .268 in July, but has been scorching hot in August.
A milestone, 4 hits and 5 RBIs for Trea 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/s5OxK3bFYR
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 19, 2025
The Phillies’ shortstop improved his hit streak to nine games Tuesday, following his four-hit game in Monday’s series-opening win over the Seattle Mariners. Turner has had a multi-hit game in five of his last six games, where he has totaled 15 hits.
The people who thought this was a bad signing have been awfully quiet lately 🤫
— Erick (@EKlambara) August 19, 2025
HE IS SO GOOD MAN 🥹
— BohmIsKing (@BohmIsKing) August 19, 2025
Phillies fans’ frustration with Turner often stems from his lack of power this season and his inconsistent fielding. Although it may not seem like it, Turner is having arguably the best defensive season of his 11-year career, owning a .984 fielding percentage at shortstop.
Turner’s 13 home runs this season may be underwhelming, but his 28 doubles are the fourth-most, and his four triples are the second-most among major league shortstops. Entering Wednesday, Turner is slashing .295/.351/.441 with a .792 OPS and 29 stolen bases.
The Phillies simply wouldn’t be in the position they’re in without Turner in the lineup.