Phillies’ Trea Turner Shines With 4-Hit Game—Can He Keep It Up?

By Oliver Wiener August 20, 2025 03:25

Trea Turner delivered a masterclass at the plate in the Philadelphia Phillies’ recent 12-7 victory over the Seattle Mariners, recording a four-hit game that included his first home run at Citizens Bank Park this season. This performance marked Turner's fifth consecutive multi-hit game, underscoring one of the best stretches of his career and fueling confidence that he can maintain this elite level of production.

Turner's standout day included a towering three-run homer off Mariners starter Logan Gilbert in the second inning, part of a six-run explosion that effectively broke the game open early. The home run was especially significant as it also represented the 1,500th hit of Turner’s career a milestone that, while impressive, he humbly downplayed postgame. "It was for the homer," Turner said about his reaction rounding first base. "It's been a minute. Right now, I don't trust anything if I hit a ball good. I don't trust it until it goes over that wall."

The 32-year-old shortstop has been a consistent force for the Phillies this season, leading the National League with 147 hits entering the game against Seattle. While he went through a subdued July, batting .268 with a .681 OPS, Turner’s resurgence in August has seen his average climb to an impressive .333.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson revealed before the season that he wanted Turner to focus less on power hitting and more on getting on base and scoring runs, targeting a .380 on-base percentage, 40 stolen bases, and 100 runs scored. Turner has embraced that approach, holding a .351 OBP with 28 stolen bases and 83 runs scored so far this year, demonstrating his value as a catalyst rather than just a power threat.

His teammate Bryce Harper, who hit two home runs in the same victory, humorously acknowledged Turner’s strategic shift. “He’s bought in so much that he’s only hit one homer here,” Harper quipped. He went on to praise Turner’s impact, saying, “He’s having a great year. Obviously, should have been an All-Star. He’s doing what Trea Turner does, man … gets on base … kills you with his speed and everything else. It’s been great.”

Defensively, Turner has also made notable progress. After posting 17 errors and a minus-14 defensive runs saved last season, he has significantly improved metrics this year, including outs above average a testament to his hard work. His defense, while not flawless, no longer raises the concerns it once did, and he is quietly in contention for Gold Glove consideration.

Turner’s overall value is reflected in his War (Wins Above Replacement), currently at 5.3, ranking sixth among all position players. While the metric isn’t definitive, it highlights the comprehensive impact he’s made both offensively and defensively.

With the Philadelphia Phillies firmly in the hunt atop the National League East, Turner’s hot streak couldn’t be more timely. His ability to consistently reach base, limit outs, and contribute on defense propels this Phillies team as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The key question now is whether Turner can sustain this form through the remainder of the grueling Major League Baseball schedule. Given his proven resilience and recent track record, the Phillies and their fans have every reason to believe he will continue to shine and provide a steadying presence for a team eager to chase championship glory.