Trea Turner’s Future at Shortstop: Dombrowski Issues Clear Ultimatum

Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski asked Trea Turner to come back to Philadelphia so he could have a conversation about his 2026 season and look ahead to 2027.

Dombrowski’s Ultimatum: Earn the Shortstop Spot or Move

Dombrowski told reporters on Thursday that he plans to have Turner open the season at shortstop, but stressed that he must be better at the position to remain there for the upcoming 2027 season.

Working with New Infield Coach Carlos Mendoza

Turner will work with new infield coach Carlos Mendoza, who will be replacing Bobby Dickerson, during Spring Training, and they will determine if he will remain at shortstop or potentially move to the outfield or even a different infield position.

"He's a smart guy; he knows he needs to get better," Dombrowski said.

Dombrowski said Turner would prefer to remain in the infield, but said he will do whatever the team needs from him, including changing positions.

Offensive Struggles: Fixing Turner's Swing

So, Turner will be given the first opportunity to remain at shortstop; it is not a guarantee that he will be there all season if he mirrors what he did in 2026, and that includes where he hits in the batting lineup.

Dombrowski acknowledged that Turner needs to work on his swing: "he did not have a good year."

The Aidan Miller Threat: Stiff Competition Awaits

One guy he seems to be high on is Aidan Miller, who missed most of the 2026 season with a back injury.  Dombrowski said during this Thursday's press conference that Miller may have helped the team in 2026 had the back not been an issue.

Injury Update on the Top Prospect

"The doctor has cleared him; he feels fine," Dombrowski said. "I don't know what will happen in the future...I have been told that he should be fine for the season."

While Turner will enter Spring Training as the incumbent, he will have to prove he can return to his 2025 form to remain there, with some stiff competition from Miller, something he didn't have this season.