Four shortstops went on the market this past off season. Trea Turner was the pick of the litter.
In 2022, Turner won a Sliver Slugger Award and was an All-Star. He led the National League in stolen bases in 2018 and 2021.
When the Phillies signed him to an eleven year, $300 million contract, most fans were elated at the prospect of upgrading an already intimidating lineup.
Then came the 2023 World Baseball Classic. With five home runs - a record for the Classic - which included an eighth inning go-ahead grand slam on March 18th against Venezuela, the excitement among Phillies’ fans neared ecstasy.