Philadelphia Phillies star shortstop has not been meeting expectations leading into the upcoming season, which could prompt the team to consider exploring trade options for him.
Phillies weighing options with SS Trea Turner
According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb (via The Sporting News’ Peter Chawaga), the Phillies may consider shifting Trea Turner to a different position if his defensive struggles persist.
“Turner, who turns 32 in June, is not oblivious,” Gelb wrote. “He’s heard the noise about his lackluster shortstop play. It is rare for a shortstop to improve with age. He would have to defy several trends to remain at shortstop into his mid-30s. The Phillies did not seriously discuss a position change this winter, multiple team sources said, but there were tougher internal conversations about the future.”
While a move hasn’t been officially planned, it’s clear the organization is aware of the concerns surrounding Turner’s long-term viability at shortstop.
Gelb further elaborated on Turner’s situation, stating:
“Turner is in a race, then,” Gelb added. “If he doesn’t play a better shortstop in 2025, he might be somewhere else in the field come 2026.”
This suggests that while the Phillies are giving Turner another year to improve at shortstop, they may start planning a position change if his defensive issues persist.
Turner needs to up the ante for Phillies at shortstop
Turner’s struggles this spring have only amplified concerns about his long-term fit at shortstop. His .059 batting average in 17 Grapefruit League at-bats, along with his defensive lapses, raises questions about whether the Phillies might look to shift him to a less demanding position to keep his bat in the lineup. If his defensive woes continue into the regular season, a move to second base or the outfield could be in play by 2026—or sooner if his offense doesn’t improve.