Phillies president Dave Dombrowski issues challenge to Trea Turner: 'He knows he has to be better at shortstop'
Phillies president Dave Dombrowski issues challenge to Trea Turner: 'He knows he has to be better at shortstop'
Sean LeahyFri, October 16, 2026 at 12:28 PM UTC
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The Philadelphia Phillies have locked in their manager after removing the interim tag from Don Mattingly. Who their regular shortstop will be during season is a question that Trea Turner will have to answer.
The 33-year-old Turner was challenged this week by Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to improve his defense, otherwise Turner will be taking on a new position within the team.
"From a defensive perspective we were very clear," Dombrowski said of his conversation with Turner. "He knows he has to be better at shortstop. And I told him that it's really mandatory that he's like that. He feels he can play, and if he plays shortstop like he did in '25, he can play shortstop. But if he plays it like he did in '26, he can't. And he totally understands that."
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Turner committed 21 errors during the 2026 season, the second-highest season total of his 12-year MLB career. His highest amount came in 2023, his first season with the Phillies. According to MLB, his -10 Outs Above Average this past season was 39th out of 42 qualified shortstops. That is a vast drop off from his +17 OAA in 2025, which was third-best.
Defensive issues were a season-longstoryline for Turner, who played 154 games at shortstop. While Mattingly spoke with several other players, including Bryce Harper, about changing positions, no conversations were held with Turner.
The Phillies have options if the time comes where Turner needs a position change. Bryson Stott played shortstop before Turner joined in Dec. 2022. Prospects Aidan Miller and Bryan Rincon could end up there later on in the 2027 season. There is also free agency if Dombrowski wants to find cover before Spring Training — barring a lockout, of course.
There are seven years and $190 million remaining on Turner's contract, which includes a no-trade clause.
"I can't control the daily banter about what takes place," Dombrowski said. "He's not the first player I've ever been around that was surrounded by that. He's a smart guy. He knows he needs to get better, and I think he'll deal with it. But he's got a long time to be here."
Source: “AOL Sports”
