Dombrowski: Turner Needs Improvement or Position Change Ahead

WHO:

MLB.com - Trea Turner is the Phillies’ shortstop.

MLB.com - Dave Dombrowski is the president of baseball operations for the Phillies.

Fox News - Don Mattingly is the interim manager of the Phillies.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Turner had -10 Outs Above Average in 2026, ranking 39th out of 42 qualified shortstops in MLB.

Fox News - Turner totaled 21 stolen bases in 2026, marking a decline in his overall performance metrics.

Fox News - Dombrowski stated that the Phillies had the fourth-best record in baseball after a 9-19 start under Mattingly.

Fox News - The Phillies have not advanced past the NL Division Series since 2023.

MLB.com - Dombrowski stated that Turner must improve his performance at shortstop in 2027 or he will change positions.

Fox News - Turner had a -17 defensive runs saved (DRS) in 2026, marking the third time in four years with the Phillies that he finished with a negative, double-digit DRS.

MLB.com - Turner batted .242 with 19 home runs, 58 RBIs, a .675 OPS, and an 81 OPS+ in 2026.

Fox News - The Phillies fired infield coach Bobby Dickerson and hired Carlos Mendoza to replace him.

MLB.com - The Phillies lost in the NL Wild Card Series to the Atlanta Braves in three games.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The press conference took place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Dombrowski spoke at a press conference on Thursday morning following the team's loss on October 1.

MLB.com - The Phillies are expected to have a new hitting coach for the 2027 season after firing Kevin Long.

WHY:

MLB.com - Dombrowski expressed disappointment with the team's performance in 2026, stating, “We’re expecting and we want to win a World Series.”

Fox News - Dombrowski noted that Turner was signed for his potential to be a long-term good player due to his athleticism.

HOW:

MLB.com - Dombrowski mentioned that the Phillies could acquire outside help to improve the team.

Fox News - Dombrowski indicated that he has no plans to trade veterans like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto.

MLB.com - Dombrowski and Turner met for a couple of hours to discuss Turner's performance and expectations for improvement.

Fox News - Dombrowski indicated that Turner is willing to do what is best for the organization, including changing positions if necessary.

In a challenging season, Trea Turner struggled defensively, finishing with a -10 Outs Above Average, ranking him 39th out of 42 qualified shortstops in MLB, while also recording 21 stolen bases, reflecting a decline in his performance metrics. Despite a rocky start with a 9-19 record, the Phillies managed to secure the fourth-best record in baseball, although they have not advanced past the NL Division Series since 2023. General Manager Dave Dombrowski has expressed intentions to seek outside help to bolster the team but has no plans to trade key veterans like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto.