The Philadelphia Phillies made a blockbuster signing in free agency bringing in former Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner on an 11-year, $300 million deal.
Turner is the complete package. His combination of speed and power at shortstop is the reason why the Phillies invested in him.
The star shortstop is heading into his ninth major league season. Turner is penciled into the leadoff spot in the Phillies lethal lineup.
Turner hit 21 homers last year and had a career-high 28 the year prior. He is having a monster spring at the WBC and in exhibition games with the Phillies, as well the Phillies ballpark being one of the most hitter-friendly in the league, it almost seems like Turner could hit 30 with ease if he wants to this season.
Besides hitting 21 home runs last year, Turner hit .298 with 39 doubles, and 100 RBI. He averages 27 stolen bases a season and that number could skyrocket this year with new rules and bigger bases.
Turner was the star player on the loaded Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He hit .391 in six games of the tournament and led all players with five home runs and 11 RBI. Turner hit a grand slam against Venezuela in the quarterfinals.
Turner went 3-4 with two more home runs and four RBI in the semi-final game against Cuba. He then hit his fourth home run in three games with a deep fly in the second inning of the WBC Championship against Japan.
The 29 year-old Turner now joins a Phillies lineup with Bryce Harper (when healthy), Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos and JT Realmuto, among others.
If Turner is able to keep some of that power displayed in the WBC and swipe a career high in stolen bases, he could bring home the NL MVP and help lead the Phillies to a World Championship.
Phillies shortstop Trea Turner. Photo courtsey of NL East Updates – Twitter
