Phillies' Trea Turner Sends Message After Unfortunate News

As Turner settles into spring training, many of his teammates will soon leave camp to prepare for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March.

That group includes first basemanBryce Harper and designated hitterKyle Schwarber, who will both suit up for Team USA. Turner, however, will not be joining them.

He was not invited to participate in this year’s tournament, with Team USA choosing Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals and Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles to handle shortstop duties.

The decision was disappointing for Turner, who addressed it at spring training on Monday. “It’s something I wanted to do. The phone never rang. It’s so much fun. I gladly would have done it again. I said it last time, if they ever ask, I would say yes. They’ve got a great roster this year. It’s stacked,” Turner said, according to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Turner previously represented Team USA at the 2023 WBC, his only appearance in the event. Despite playing in just one tournament, he made a significant impact, hitting 5 home runs and delivering a go‑ahead grand slam in the quarterfinals against Venezuela. He served as the primary shortstop for a United States team that reached the championship game.

He will not get the chance to chase a trophy for the United States this year, and his next opportunity may not come until 2029, when he will be entering the later stages of his career. For now, his focus shifts entirely to the Phillies and the pursuit of the championship that has eluded this core.