The 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic brought many talents to light. Names like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, and Trea Turner skyrocketed in popularity. But that magic of the game hasn’t translated well for everyone into the regular season as teams struggle. Trea Turner, in particular, has been having a rough season that has some fans regretting the 11-year, $300 million contract that he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Ever since his MLB debut, Turner has established himself as one of the most skilled players in the sport. And while this rough patch has some fans turning on him, Turner also admitted that despite the stellar WBC display, the regular season performance hasn’t been up to the mark.
Trea Turner admits that he has ‘sucked’ in the 2023 season so far
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The Phillies’ offseason deal with Turner was one of those contracts that fans had been most excited about. Then Turner helped clinch victories for Team USA with 5 HR, and 11 RBI in 6 games. Although the USA lost in the finals against the undefeated team Japan, Turner’s performance didn’t go unappreciated. However, unfortunately, the stats look worse as MLB proceeds through its first quarter of the season.
Trea Turner during the WBC: 5 HR, 11 RBI in 6 games
Trea Turner with the Phillies: 4 HR, 11 RBI in 46 games pic.twitter.com/W2gcSRwiYA
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 23, 2023
Looking at 4 HR, and 11 RBI in 46 games, anyone would be disappointed. “I’m honest with myself, I’ve sucked,” the shortstop confessed to ESPN. The Phillies have been losing to the Arizona Diamondbacks and the 2x All-Star seems stuck in a rut. “So I’m honest with myself. I tell myself straight, and I don’t lie to myself. I think I’m a positive guy. I think I can always do better and can always be better. That’s the attitude I have, but at the same time, I know when I don’t do something right,” he later added.
Turner’s iconic home run against team Venezuela in the quarterfinal of the WBC made sure that fans’ expectations of him were high, but currently, he seems to be falling short of them.
Baseball fans have mixed feelings about Turner’s confession
The World Baseball Classic is a completely different stage than Major League Baseball. While teams face the world’s best in baseball, not everyone thinks the performance there compares to MLB.
Ok come where is those WBC haters comments 😂
— Carlos (@acarlitos27) May 23, 2023
How is this possible? The WBC is the peak of baseball competition. The pitchers he faced there must've been way way better than MLB pitchers. There's no way he could hit those guys but struggle against MLB pitchers.
— Manach (@Manach_38) May 23, 2023
Since this is only the beginning of Turner’s first season in Philly, some fans think he still has time to turn things around.
actually he said this pic.twitter.com/Yy8qDxTcr0
— FAX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFAX) May 23, 2023
He has 11 years to turn things around
— Antony Peter Coleman (@eduardobz) May 23, 2023
While some thought the 29-year-old is putting too much pressure on himself while it’s only May, some thought the Phillies wasted money on him.
That's so crazy. I feel so bad for Trea. I know he's going to turn it around, but I feel like he's pouring so much pressure on himself. Same with the whole team, actually. Just relax and play fun baseball. It's May. Unfortunately, the bad start has them feeling more pressure.
— SportsGuy (@MagicMan331) May 23, 2023
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He was bound to regress. Mickey Phillies can’t even spend money right😭😭
— CampLFGM (@camplfgm) May 23, 2023
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Every team and every player goes through ups and downs, and most fans seem to understand that. Now only time will tell how the Phillies and their shortstop turn things around!
WATCH THIS STORY: Ranking Every Winner of the Prestigious World Baseball Classic