Phillies shortstop Trea Turner wanted to make it back with Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.
He also made a compelling case after equaling the tournament record and leading his country with five home runs in the 2023 edition as well.
But when Team USA announced its roster ahead of this year’s tournament in March, Turner stayed out, revealing Monday that it wasn’t because he turned down an opportunity to play.
“It’s something I wanted to do, but the phone never rang,” Turner told reporters from his locker at the Phillies’ Spring Training Complex. “It’s so much fun. I would have loved to do it again. I said it last time, if they ever asked, I would say yes.”
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa and general manager Michael Hill selected Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals and Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles over the 32-year-old Turner as Team USA’s shortstops — giving the infield a different look as they look to win the tournament after falling to Japan in the 2023 championship game.
Led by captain and Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, Team USA’s star-studded roster also includes two of Turner’s Phillies teammates: Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
“They have a great roster this year,” Turner told reporters Monday. “It’s stacked.”
Instead, Turner will remain with the Phillies through the entire Grapefruit League and spring training.
The next opportunity for Turner, whose vintage WBC moments in 2023 include a grand slam against Venezuela in the quarterfinals, to play for Team USA will be in 2029, when the tournament takes place next.
“I think we’re in a good spot to win,” Turner told Team USA reporters. according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I’m definitely going to watch it, and I wish Kyle and Bryce and all these guys, [Edmundo] Sosa, everyone who plays, I hope they perform well for their country, and it’s a lot of fun.
Turner won the National League batting title last season after posting a .304 average — along with 15 home runs and 69 RBIs — in what was his best season since signing with the Phillies ahead of the 2023 season.
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