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Why Trea Turner’s Slump Isn’t Worth Worrying About

Placeholder Shilloutte User Image Connor Thomas May 19th

The Philadelphia Phillies have not had an ideal start to their 2023 campaign, and despite how last year ended in spite of a slow beginning, it’s not exactly comforting to watch this highly talented roster struggle through April and May. One of the chief catalysts of the struggle for the Phillies this season has been the newest superstar in the city, Trea Turner is off to a very non-Trea Turnerish start to his time in Philly. Turner, who is the reigning 1st Team All-MLB Shortstop, is slashing .262/.308/.399. He’s struck out 52 times already this year, putting him on pace for nearly 200 strikeouts this season. For reference, Turner has never struck out more than 132 times in any season in his career. His defense has also been shaky at points, which is more of a footnote when compared to his offensive numbers, but still worth mentioning. So, what in the world is going on with the Phillies’ new $300 million man?

Nothing we need to be overly concerned about. I’m not exactly sure what to point to in order to explain Turner’s rough start to the year. It could be the fact that his swing path looks elevated, leading to more fly balls and strikeouts, it could be the moves around the lineup, or it could just be some early season pressures of a huge contract and a new city. What I do know, though, is that Turner is fine, and there’s history to show that point as well. I have to give credit where credit is due, John Foley put out the below tweet the other day that was the inspiration for this post. He’s a great follow on Twitter for any and all Phillies fans:

Just look at those numbers. Realmuto, Harper, Schwarber, and Castellanos all had pedestrian to downright bad starts to their time with the Phillies. Now, would it be nicer if the stars that this team signed/traded for started out hot instead of ice cold? Absolutely it would be. But, in reality, Turner’s start is not an anomaly. In fact, it’s very much the norm. In football, a slump for a quarter of a season can cost a player a job. In basketball, a shooting slump of 40 games means you’re out of the league. In hockey, you can’t go this long without producing or you’ll find yourself in the AHL. But this is baseball, the sport of longevity. The ultimate “water finds its level” sport. So be patient, both with the Phillies and with Trea Turner. He’ll pay us all back in the long run.

Related:

Ranking The Phillies' Starting Lineup's Walk-Up Songs

Here’s a definitive, opinion-based list ranking the Phillies‘ walk-up songs. Thanks to this list on MLB.com, we can take a look at all the songs the Phillies have selected.

The individual walk-up song has forever changed the ballpark experience for players and fans alike. The walk-up song not only serves as a way to get a crowd and players hype, but it also provides fans with some insight into the music taste of their favorite players.

These players pick whatever will get them excited to play. Whether it’s a slow jam, a funny song, or something that’s super epic, they pick what works for them.

This list in no way judges the Phillies players according to their stats or how great they are at the plate. It’s ranked based on how good the song is at hyping up the crowd and getting a player motivated to do their best. Of course, all music ranking is subjective, but in this case, there may be a definitive best and worst song.

Some of these Phillies have really iconic walk-up songs. So iconic, in fact, that the entire stadium will begin to loudly sing along as soon as the song starts to play, shouting out the name of the player that’s stepping up.

So here’s the list, ranking the Phillies’ walk-up songs:

  • 11. Edmundo Sosa

    Desahogo by Akim

    This one just doesn’t really stand out. It’s a pretty chill song that wouldn’t hype anyone up. But hey, maybe it’s chill-ness clams him down and makes it work for him.

  • 10. Josh Harrison

    Before I Let Go by Frankie Beverly & Maze
    Preach by Young Dolph
    Victory Lap by Nipsey Hussle
    Intro by Meek Mill

    All of these are pretty non-memorable. Sorry, Josh. The best of the lineup was “Before I Let Go,” but none of these were exactly “hype.”

  • 9. Aaron Nola

    I Am Second by Newsboys

    The message of this one isn’t bad. “I am second to none,” is s great attitude to bring up to the plate. It’s just not one the crowd would really sing along to.

  • 8. Nick Castellanos

    Hunger on Hillside by J. Cole

    This one seems like you gotta be in the right mood to get pumped up by it. It’s not a bad song by any means. It’s just not a quintessential walk-up song.

  • 7. Alec Bohm

    Famous by Kanye West
    Nothing but a G Thang by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog

    “Famous” is a snoozer, in my opinion. “Nothing But A G Thang” saves the day, though. If Bohm were to kick “Famous” to the curb and only walk up to “Nothing But A G Thang,” he would be higher on this list.

  • 6. Trea Turner

    Look Ahead by Future
    The Scotts by Travis Scott

    This is sort of the same situation we face with Bohm, except “Look Ahead” is just STELLAR. “The Scotts” is okay…but not very fitting. “Look Ahead” is really good for a baseball walk-up song. It’s solidly hype.

  • 5. Bryce Harper

    Flower by Moby
    Paradise by Bazzi
    Young Once by Sam Hunt
    Ride Wit Me by Nelly, City Spud

    Bryce, man. He’s got a lot. In my opinion, he can get rid of “Paradise,” because it’s too wimpy. “Flower” is iconic. You’ll know it when you hear it and immediately think of Bryce.

  • 4. Brandon Marsh

    444+222 by lil uzi vert

    Props to Marsh for including a Philly-born artist. This song is very good to get a crowd excited. You’ll likely recognize it when you hear it, and that’s probably because of Brandon Marsh.

  • 3. JT Realmuto

    Money & Fame by NEEDTOBREATHE

    The beginning of this song is like the soundtrack to a movie. How can you walk up to bat while this is playing and NOT feel like a badass?

  • 2. Bryson Stott

    AOK by Tai Verdes

    This is likely one of the most legendary Phillies walk-up songs. As soon as this song starts playing, the whole crowd at the ballpark begins to sing along, knowing Stott is about to be up. It’s a great party song that has easy lyrics to learn.

  • 1. Kyle Schwarber

    Thuggish Ruggish Bone by Bone Thugs N Harmony
    Fantastic Voyage by Lakeside
    Cult of Personality by Living Colour

    Maybe it’s his tendency to hit Schwarbombs that grabs our attention as he steps up to bat. Maybe it’s his FIRE walk-up songs. All three of these tunes perfectly encapsulate the fire he’s about to bring to the field. He’s a dynamic player with some really dynamic walk-up songs.

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