We continue our 2023 fantasy baseball profiles, and our focus now shifts to new Philadelphia Phillies SS Trea Turner. Turner set the bar high after a sensational season with the Dodgers last season, and it’s fair to say that the toolsy shortstop is set to start the 2023 as the best player at his position in fantasy.
Related: 2023 Fantasy Profile: Aaron Judge
A Look at Turner
Fantasy owners were in for a treat with former Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner in 2022. Last season in Los Angeles, the shortstop batted .298 with 21 home runs, 27 stolen bases, 101 runs scored, and 100 RBIs. While Turner failed to hit .300 for the third consecutive season, the ex-Dodger set a new career high in runs batted in, and scored at least 100 runs in a season for the third time in his career. That stellar performance earned Turner a NL Silver Slugger award last season.
Turner has long been lauded as a terrific hitter at his position, but the amount of RBI opportunities Turner had last season turned the elite shortstop into a force in the world of fantasy last season.
After an incredible season, the NC State product is headed back to the NL East. Turner will join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023, a team focused on a return trip to the World Series.
2023 Fantasy Outlook
It’s been a stellar past three seasons for Turner, who has hit .316 and recorded a 137 OPS+ during that time. Plus, no player in baseball other than Turner has recorded at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases over the past two seasons, a sign as to how impressive the new Phillie has performed in recent years and how valuable the 29-year-old is in fantasy.
While it’s unlikely that Turner will accrue 100 RBIs again in 2023, Turner is set to be a key piece for the Phillies this season. The 29-year-old checks a number of boxes thanks to his fantastic hitting ability, power, and speed. Turner is set to be in the top-of-the-order hitter for the Phillies, and should should be an ample source for runs scored for an offense that includes Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, Rhys Hoskins, and Bryce Harper once his former Washington teammate returns from elbow surgery.
Expect Turner to be off the board by the end of the first round in fantasy drafts.
