Full Transcription: Trea Turner’s Opening Press Conference at Citizens Bank Park
Trea Turner is officially a Philadelphia Phillie.
Trea Turner spoke to the media for the first time since signing his 11-year, $300M contract just moments ago. Here’s every question that was asked to Trea Turner, Dave Dombrowski, and Sam Fuld, along with all of their answers.
Full Press Conference
Dave Dombrowski’s Opening Remarks
“It’s a very exciting day for the organization, the fans, and everyone involved. I want to spend a special thank you to the person that makes this all happen…John Middleton. I want to thank the people that worked on this contract…from Trea’s perspective; we got to meet his wife and son Beckham. A special thanks to Trea’s agency.
We’re very excited to add one of the best players in major league baseball. Well respected. I can’t believe how many times I’ve heard people say, “the most exciting player in all of baseball, Trea Turner.” Happy we were able to get the deal done; special moment for us. We’re excited to have #7 available.”
Trea Turner’s Opening Remarks
“I got a haircut today for the media! Had a long month for him and his wife, but we’re glad to be here. Credit to John, my agents, and my little one (Beckham). It’s going to be awesome. Thank you to the people in the first row, my wife who holds it down when I’m on the road.” Proceeded to thank in-laws, family, etc. Trea thanks his parents for taking him to travel games as a kid, never giving up on him, and more. He thanks everyone; he couldn’t have done it without all of them”
“It’s been reported that you received offers that were richer than the Phillies’ offer. What made the Phillies the team for you and Philadelphia the place for you?
“I was lucky enough to have some good offers on the table, tough consideration. My wife and I wanted to weigh all options and take the process as seriously as possible. We looked at it as a family thing. Money wasn’t the #1 option, even though it does play a part. I pictured myself in this uniform. We pictured playing with Bryce, Kyle Schwarber, and Kevin Long. It just made sense. Watched a lot of the playoff games; this place was rockin’. Just a lot of things pointing in this direction.”
As an honest, down-to-earth guy…the chatter in town is where is Trea going to hit in the lineup. I know you have your thoughts…1 or 2, I know you’re going to be truthful. (Howard Eskin, of course).
“That’s Rob’s decision. I got a call from Kyle Schwarber; he asked me the same question. Schwarber stole a lot of bases last year, I don’t know if I want to kick him out of there, but it’s going to be fun hitting in this lineup. I don’t really have a preference. I used to hit leadoff, have hit 2nd or 3rd recently, but I love hitting in the same spot every day.”
You mentioned watching the playoff run…how much was that a factor?
“It was a big factor; playing on a winning team was important. John and Dave have committed to long contracts and that’s what we wanted. (The Phillies) were playing good baseball at the end of the season, having fun, was the fans, families, etc. The fun and loudness jumped out the most. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a stadium like that. Playing in October is important.”
How much were Bryce and Kevin Long involved?
“Bryce texted us early on and offered to answer any questions, along with wives texting. Trea called Kevin Long the morning of and said, “what we got?”. Had a pretty good phone call with him and talked about perspectives. A lot of things he said matched up with a lot of things that I believed. They did a pretty good job of not trying to influence me but being there at the same time. That was a nice aspect of it. “
Following up on Bryce’s influence…it’s an 11-year contract. Did you lean on him for, like, “hey if I’m spending the rest of my career here, is this the right place?”
“That’s the kind of approach that Kristen and I took. We were committed 100% to where we were gonna sign. No short-term deal; we weren’t looking for the most money. Bryce, Schwarber, and all of these other guys spoke so highly of this place. It’s not a fun process trying to sign a contract. You want to make the right commitment. We shared a lot of the same experiences.”
(Dave and Sam) How do you dig in on how players will age?
“We have guys that look into that and make your decision based on that. Have to look at talent; there’s no real crystal ball. Have to differentiate between a normal big-league payer and an elite athlete. An elite athlete can last a lot longer than other individuals.”
“Outside of the fan base, what is it that you know about the city of Philly?”
“Don’t know much, can’t wait to explore the city. Had a great dinner last night. We’re simple people and can’t wait to find good food. Have a lot of learning to do. Excited to share the sports complex with the other teams, a really cool characteristic of this city. We love our sports here. I love football and hockey. Can’t wait to go to the games. Listening for recommendations on food.”
Trea, with the game of baseball changing, how important was it for you to evolve as a shortstop?
“I learned a lot last year playing shortstop. I think I can play much better than I have in the past, can’t wait to put the work in. I want to prove it to myself; I’ll always be trying to get better. I think I can play for a long time by using my athleticism.”
“It’s hard to win in October because you’re facing such high competition, but team chemistry is important. Hanging out, etc. I think I’ll fit in great here. That’s how you make great runs. Just have to play through it.”
(Dave Sam) how important was Trea Turner’s postseason experience
“Last year, we had a talented group, and one of our goals was adding guys that won a World Series…adding Kyle Schwarber was huge for the field and clubhouse. Trea brings that same mentality. It’s extremely important to bring people on board that have a championship attitude.”
Did Sam and Dave make it obvious that you were the team’s #1 option?
“First meeting we had, they came down to our house in Florida. He wanted Sam and Dave to be honest with him, and he would be honest back. Right then and there, I expected them to come at us hard. I took them seriously from the start. My wife was very excited to be closer to home, leaving the baseball stuff to me. The family aspect was a big factor for us. You learn how much family means through everyone…Bryce, Schwarber, etc. I had more than one family experience with other teams, doesn’t know what I can and can not say.”
You mentioned that team chemistry seemed strong. What gave you that impression?
It’s hard to fake that; you can see it. You can see guys in the dugout; you talk to these guys. Long, Schwarber, and Bryce all said how good of a group we had. You can see it on the TV; very noticeable. It’s hard to do because every year it’s a new team, but they had it going on last year.”
Did you chat with Bryson yet?
Bryson messaged me on Instagram, and I texted him my number. Stott sent his congrats, and I’m ready to work with him.”
You (Trea) know your body better than anyone. What gives you confidence that you can be a productive player into your late 30s?
I bet on myself all the time. I’m a competitor; I hate losing, no matter if it’s a baseball game or a board game. I’m going to compete for the longest time at the highest level I can and bet on myself every step of the way. I try to focus on the day”
Mandatory Credit: Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer
