The Philadelphia Phillies have a major decision to make with Trea Turner heading into the 2027 season. After a difficult year at shortstop, there is growing reason to believe the team could move the veteran infielder to another position.
Turner led the majors with 21 errors in 2026, adding to an already disappointing season at the plate. He hit .242 with 19 home runs, 29 doubles and 156 hits in 645 at-bats. His 81 OPS+ was also well below his 116 career mark.
As per Matt Gelb’s report for The Athletic, the Phillies are urged to make a switch of the position for the shortstop.
“Turner, who endured a brutal 2026 season, probably won’t be afforded automatic status as someone who bats at the top of the lineup and plays shortstop,” Gelb reported. “Once the Phillies have a manager in place, his first instructions from Dombrowski might be: Go to Florida and talk to Turner about changing positions. It’s something the Phillies will have to resolve before Dec. 1, when an owner-imposed lockout is expected to begin, and team officials will be barred from communicating with players.”
Article Continues BelowThe Phillies signed Turner to a $300 million contract after the 2022 season with the expectation that he would remain their shortstop for the long term.
A position change would give the Phillies another major issue to solve this offseason. Turner has not played in the outfield since 2016, while his only recent experience away from shortstop came at second base with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021.
The timing makes the decision even more important. Turner has seven years remaining on his contract, and the Phillies cannot fully shape their infield or outfield plans until they know where he will play.