Trea Turner Adopts Contact-First Strategy to Boost Phillies’ Offense
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner has adjusted his approach at the plate this season, shifting his focus from power hitting to getting on base and setting the table for the team’s sluggers. The change came after a conversation with manager Rob Thomson, who encouraged Turner to prioritize reaching base, stealing bases, and scoring runs over hitting home runs.
Thomson explained his expectations clearly: “We’ve got plenty of power. I want you to get on base at a .380 clip, steal 40 bases, and score 100 runs.”
Turner has responded well to the challenge. He’s currently hitting .297, with a notable decrease in his chase rate—down to 28.1%, a 6.2-point drop from last season. His on-base percentage has risen to .371, up 33 points from last year. However, the shift has come with reduced power numbers, with his slugging percentage falling from .469 to .367, and just one home run so far in 2025.
Despite the drop in power, Turner recognizes the long-term benefits of the new approach. He acknowledged that while he misses hitting for extra bases, he’s focused on becoming a more complete player. “I can’t just swing for the fences. The home runs will come, but I need to stay controlled and help the team by getting on base,” he said.
Turner, a key piece at the top of the Phillies lineup since 2023, has been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for hitters like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, especially given his elite speed. The hope is that as the season progresses and the weather warms, he’ll start lifting the ball more and naturally regain some of his power while maintaining his on-base success.
