Phillies’ Trea Turner leadoff push gains steam with key endorsement
Will we see the shortstop hitting leadoff for the Phillies this season?
As is usual for this time of year, the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup construction is under intense scrutiny. Specifically the leadoff spot.
Manager Rob Thomson has mused about swapping the order around this season, with trials supposedly upcoming during the Phillies’ spring training Grapefruit League games. One change that Thomson has already talked about is moving shortstop Trea Turner up into the top spot in the lineup.
Hitting coach Kevin Long endorses trying Trea Turner in Phillies’ leadoff spot
While the fanbase might be split about whether taking slugging designated hitter Kyle Schwarber out of the leadoff spot is a good idea, his potential replacement has support from one valuable source. Hitting coach Kevin Long, who has known Turner since their days in Washington, thinks Turner can hack it in the role, despite his poor finish in 2024.
“Well, they quit throwing him fastballs. He wasn’t even seeing fastballs. He was swinging at everything. His chase rate went through the window. It just unraveled on him a little bit,” Long told The Athletic’s Matt Gelb (subscription required). “But again, I know Trea. I know his heartbeat. I know his pulse. And Thoms is thinking about leading him off. And that plays right into this.”
