Dave Dombrowski: Trea Turner must improve at shortstop in 2027 or change positions

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the team is treating 2027 as a make-or-break year for Trea Turner at shortstop, telling him he must play the position better or change where he fits on the roster.

Speaking at Citizens Bank Park on Oct. 15, Dombrowski said Turner understands the expectation and noted the organization’s message was direct. According to Dombrowski, Turner can remain at shortstop if he plays the way he did in 2025, but he cannot play shortstop “like he did in ’26” heading into 2027.

Dombrowski said he and Turner met for a couple of hours at the ballpark on Tuesday, and Turner then flew back to Philadelphia to continue those discussions as the offseason progressed. Those familiar with the meeting described it as productive.

The Phillies’ rationale is rooted in Turner’s defensive performance metrics at shortstop. In 2026, Turner posted minus-10 Outs Above Average, ranking 39th out of 42 qualified shortstops. The release also pointed to a recent trend, with Turner posting +17 OAA in 2025 (tied for third), then -2 OAA in 2024 and -6 OAA in 2023.

The organization also left open the possibility that Turner’s next step could be outside the infield. Dombrowski said that if Turner does not improve defensively, the Phillies could move him to the outfield, even though Turner prefers to stay in the infield. Bryson Stott has prior experience at shortstop, and the Phillies’ prospect group was also referenced, including Aidan Miller and Bryan Rincon as possible options, more likely to be midseason considerations than Opening Day fixes.

Turner’s 2026 offense also entered the discussion, since his defensive role and his overall production will both be judged by the team. The release reported Turner batted.242 with 19 home runs, 58 RBIs, a.675 OPS and an 81 OPS+ in 2026.

Dombrowski framed his view of Turner as a long-term fit while emphasizing the need to fix what went wrong. Turner signed an 11-year, $300 million contract in December 2022, and the release said he has seven years remaining. The organization’s offseason reset also included staffing, as the Phillies fired infield coach Bobby Dickerson and hired Carlos Mendoza to replace him (and coach third base), adding additional support pressure as Turner prepares for 2027.

Ultimately, Dombrowski said the Phillies will require evidence, not assurances. He told Turner that it is up to Turner to demonstrate he can handle shortstop going into next season and reinforced that the team left the decision on best fit with the organization if position changes become necessary.