Phillies Consider Moving Trea Turner to Leadoff Spot for 2025 Season

Manager Rob Thomson is experimenting with lineup changes in spring training, aiming to boost Turner’s on-base percentage and base-stealing opportunities.

• Trea Turner expressed enthusiasm about potentially returning to the leadoff spot, a role he has excelled in previously with a .302 batting average and .351 on-base percentage over 487 career games.
• Phillies manager Rob Thomson believes hitting leadoff could help Turner improve his pitch selectivity and on-base consistency, addressing his elevated chase rate and low walk rate from recent seasons.
• Turner’s speed and base-stealing ability, which were limited last season due to a hamstring injury and cautious base-running decisions, are seen as key to creating more scoring opportunities for the team.
• Bryce Harper, who has been considered for the leadoff role, prefers hitting later in the lineup, allowing Turner to potentially lead off with Harper and Kyle Schwarber following in the order.
• No final decision on the lineup has been made, but the Phillies hope the changes will help Turner return to his dynamic, game-changing form as they aim for a strong 2025 season.

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