The Philadelphia Phillies signed shortstop Trea Turner to an 11-year, $300 million contract last week.
It was the second-highest deal given to a free agent this offseason after the $360 million that Aaron Judge got from the New York Yankees.
The Phillies, who were just two wins shy of being crowned World Series champions just a few weeks ago, have added a star piece to the puzzle.
Turner is a difference-maker who could really change the fate of a short postseason series with his skillset.
Despite his ability to hit for average (.298 in 2022, .302 for his career) he has considerable power: in the last two seasons combined, he has 49 home runs.
His game, however, is built on speed.
Turner is one of the fastest players in MLB, with the ability to steal 40 bases if he wants and the legs to turn a double into a triple.
MLB posted a graphic showing just how fast he is.
.@treavturner is speed! pic.twitter.com/3nPbaKaSxN
—MLB (@MLB) December 12, 2022
MLB’s King Of Speed
If Judge is MLB’s premier power threat and has been for years, Turner is the king of speed.
His career-high of 46 thefts came in 2017, and while he didn’t quite run as much in 2021 (32) and 2022 (27), it’s not reasonable to expect him to consistently steal 40 bases as he ages.
If he truly wanted, however, he could break his own personal high.
He is not likely to do it, but still adds a speed element that the Phillies’ lineup was lacking.
He does it without sacrificing anything in terms of game power, which is actually what makes him special and worth $300 million.
Turner is a true five-tool player, and figures to boost the Phillies’ chances to win the Fall Classic in 2023 and beyond.
