Trea Turner explains why he chose the Phillies
Introduced officially by the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, two-time All-Star shortstop Trea Turner explained to reporters why he chose the City of Brotherly Love.
Turner told reporters that once free agency began, he and his family searched for a long-term partnership, which they found in Philadelphia.
"We were all in. We sat down and talked for a long time," Turner said. "Money wasn't necessarily the number one option for us, obviously, it plays a part. But we just pictured ourselves here. I pictured myself in this uniform."
According to multiple reports, Turner forfeited at least $41 million to sign with the Phillies.
Turner called the Phillies' remarkable run to the World Series a "big factor" in his decision, as was playing alongside the likes of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
Another positive for Turner in Philly was having another opportunity to work with hitting coach Kevin Long, who held the same role while both were with the Washington Nationals. Long was Turner's hitting coach during most of the 2021 season, one of the shortstops' best. While Turner was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers 96 games into 2021, the two-time All-Star recorded 28 home runs and 77 RBI, slashing .328/.375/.536.
Turner posted an All-Star campaign in 2022 with the Dodgers, batting .298/.343/.466 with 21 home runs, 100 RBI, and 45 stolen bases in 160 games.
The 29-year-old entered free agency as one of the most coveted shortstops in a crowded market before ultimately inking an 11-year, $300 million contract with the Phillies, which will pay Turner an average salary of $27.2 million until 2034.
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