Philadelphia Phillies bold prediction: Trea Turner steals 40+ bases
Anyone following baseball this year has inevitably heard about the new rules shaking up spring training. A pitch timer, limits on the shift, and even bigger bases are heading to a ballpark near you in 2023. While many are already griping about the changes, at least one person won’t be complaining.
New Philadelphia Phillies’ shortstop Trea Turner may be the fastest player in the league. According to Statcast, Turner is the fifth-fastest player. Among that group, he gets on base more than anyone else. With that unique combination, coupled with bigger bases and defensive limits, Turner could be in for a big year on the bases.
Last season, Turner stole 27 bases, but he has the capability to swipe way more. In 2017 and 2018, Turner stole 46 and 43 bases, respectively. His new team is not shy of sending runners. Last season, Philadelphia ranked fifth in stolen bases.
In his first year of a massive $300 million contract, Turner will be looking to make an impression. It seems to be a perfect storm for Turner to steal 40 plus bases once again.