The Phillies were able to nab their top free agent target this winter, shortstop Trea Turner.
The Phillies and Turner agreed to an 11-year, $300 million contract, which will have Turner in a Phillies uniform until his age 40 season. Turner joins a core of Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, JT Realmuto, and Nick Castellanos. With Turner’s arrival, check out the five Phillies who benefit:
Rhys Hoskins
Rhys Hoskins had an up-and-down year last season and the numbers and his performance in the playoffs reflected that. Hoskins hit 30 home runs and was also top ten in strikeouts. Hoskins batted second and often felt like he struggled there, seemingly trying to do too much.
With the arrival of Trea Turner, Hoskins can slide down the lineup to the 5th or 6th spot where he can be much more effective. It will also give more reliable hitters more at-bats in the game instead of Hoskins seeing the plate as much. Moving Hoskins down in the lineup can also provide some power later on in the lineup and not rely on hitters 1-4 to do all of the damage.
Nick Castellanos
Last winter, Nick Castellanos signed a $100 million deal with the Phillies, who were looking to add to their core. Castellanos was coming off an all-star season for the Cincinnati Reds, where he had a .309 batting average, 34 home runs, and 100 RBIs. He had a solid start to the season but was inconsistent throughout the rest of the summer. He dealt with wrist and oblique injuries, which could have contributed to his down year.
With so much pressure on Castellanos in a new city, it may have gotten to him. Now that Trea Turner is a Phillie, there will be less pressure on Castellanos offensively and he can just focus on playing his best and not being perfect.
Kyle Schwarber
Kyle Schwarber had a tremendous first year in a Phillies uniform and batted leadoff for the majority of the season. Adding Trea Turner to the roster can allow Schwarber to bat second, creating a chance to increase his RBI total next season. If Turner were to bat first and get on base, his ability to steal bases can make Schwarber that much more dangerous when he is at the plate.
During last season, Schwarber carried the offense for an entire month while Harper was out. If Turner doesn’t lead off, he will be able to help carry the offensive load while Bryce Harper is out with injury, taking some pressure off Schwarber’s plate.
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper was an important part of why Trea Turner decided to sign with the Phillies. They are good friends from their days at the Washington Nationals.
Turner’s place in the lineup will help give Bryce Harper some protection in the lineup. If Turner bats second, Bryce bats third, and Realmuto bats clean up, pitchers can’t pitch around Harper. The fewer pitchers try to walk Harper, the more he will produce at the plate. Harper is a superstar and setting up more opportunities for him should be a priority.
Bryson Stott
Bryson Stott is a player who could benefit the most from Trea Turner’s arrival in Philadelphia. Last season, Stott became the everyday Shortstop for this team with Jean Segura playing second base.
Now with Turner tasked to play Shortstop, Stott will move to second base. Stott will be able to learn from Turner and not have the pressure to be perfect in his second year in the big leagues. Stott will see firsthand how Turner got to where he is today and can use that to improve how he plays. Turner and Stott will be a double-play machine for seasons to come and many fans are looking forward to improved infield defense.
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
