Prospect Profile: Trea Turner

Trea Turner’s calling card has always been his speed; in his three-year career at N.C. State, he swiped 113 bases. The Padres drafted him with the 13^th overall pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft to do exactly that. During his three-year career at N.C. State he swiped 113 bases in 127 attempts, that is an 89% success rate. It is that speed that provides Turner with a quick first step while playing the defensive focused position of shortstop.

On the season, Turner has a range factor of 5.08 with a .992 fielding percentage through 36 games as a professional. Turner started out in Eugene (short season Class-A) and after 14 games was promoted to Fort Wayne TinCaps (Advanced Single-A). Scouts project that with his plus plus speed, glove, and arm he will be able to stick at shortstop at the top level.

When Turner was drafted his bat was his biggest question mark. To date, Turner has put those doubts to rest owning a triple slash line of .315/.399/.399 with 9 extra base hits including one home run. His plate discipline will allow him to work through the few holes he has in his swing as he progresses through the majors.

Turner will never be expected to hit for power. However, he hits the ball in the gaps and is able to stretch long singles into doubles and doubles into triples. Turner will be an excellent table setter and be able to disrupt the pitchers rhythm with his base stealing ability.

The projections have Turner’s ceiling at being a base stealing, plus defender, with exceptional instincts e.g. a speedier Mark Loretta. Yes, that is a solid compliment for a first year player with a few holes in this swing. Worst case scenario, I would project Turner to become a not as powerful Khalil Greene. Either way if he can stick at the major league level for at least a decade, while doing his best Chris Gomez impressions, I wouldn’t mind that.

Keep the Faith.