Trea Turner’s Lifestyle: Trea Turner is one of the most electrifying players in Major League Baseball (MLB) today. With his incredible speed, sharp skills, and relentless drive, Turner has made a name for himself on the field. But what about off the field? Many people think they know Trea Turner, but his lifestyle might surprise you. Let’s dive into the life of Trea Turner and discover some interesting details you may not know.
Early Life and Background
Trea Vance Turner was born on June 30, 1993, in Boynton Beach, Florida. Raised by parents Mark and Donna, Trea also has an older sister. His mother, a former sprinter, often claims that Trea inherited his exceptional speed from her. From an early age, Trea showed a keen interest in sports, particularly baseball.
He attended Park Vista Community High School in Lake Worth, Florida, where he played baseball. Although he was not heavily recruited out of high school, that did not deter him from pursuing his dreams. In 2011, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the 20th round of the MLB draft with the 602nd overall pick. However, instead of signing with the Pirates, Trea decided to attend North Carolina State University (NC State) to continue playing baseball and further develop his skills.
A College Career to Remember
At NC State, Trea quickly made a name for himself. As a freshman, he initially played as a third baseman but later switched back to his natural position at shortstop. His freshman year was impressive, with a .336 batting average and 57 stolen bases. By his sophomore year, Trea was already one of the most talked-about players in college baseball. He upped his batting average to .378 and was named the winner of the prestigious Brooks Wallace Award at the end of his junior year. This award is given to the best college shortstop in the country, solidifying Trea’s status as a top prospect.
The Journey to the Big Leagues
In 2014, Trea Turner was selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the MLB draft with the 13th overall pick. Just a week later, he signed with the team, receiving a $2.9 million signing bonus. Trea made his professional debut with the Eugene Emeralds in the Class-A-Short Northwest League. From there, he quickly climbed the ranks within the Padres’ minor league system.
However, in a surprising move, the Padres traded Trea to the Washington Nationals in 2015. He spent time with their AA and AAA affiliates before making his MLB debut in August 2015. Although his debut season was modest, with a .225 batting average, one home run, and one RBI, it was clear that Trea had the potential to become something special.
Rise to Stardom
The following years were filled with ups and downs for Trea Turner. In 2016, he lost his shortstop position to Danny Espinosa and was sent back to AAA Syracuse. But he didn’t stay there long. Midway through the season, he started getting opportunities to play in the outfield, showcasing his versatility. After Espinosa was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, Trea returned to his natural position at shortstop in 2017.
That year, he began to truly showcase his speed. In June, Trea stole four bases in a single game against the New York Mets, and he repeated this feat against the Chicago Cubs. By the end of the season, he led the National League (NL) with 43 stolen bases and was recognized as the fastest shortstop in the league.
Despite suffering a significant injury in 2018 that sidelined him for several weeks, Trea returned stronger than ever. He recorded his second career cycle in July 2018, further proving his resilience and talent. Later that year, Trea played a crucial role in helping the Nationals secure a wild card spot in the playoffs by hitting a go-ahead grand slam.
The Nationals’ 2019 season was nothing short of magical. Trea hit his first career postseason home run and helped lead the Nationals to their first-ever World Series title, defeating the Houston Astros in seven games. This championship cemented Trea’s place in Nationals’ history.
The Dodgers and the Phillies
After an off-season surgery and a shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic, Trea had an incredible 2021 season. On his 28th birthday, he hit for the cycle for the third time in his career, an extraordinary feat that few players have achieved. However, shortly after this accomplishment, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Trea quickly made an impact with the Dodgers, hitting his 100th career home run and leading the league in hits for the second consecutive year. In 2022, he switched positions from second base back to shortstop and was named the starting shortstop for the 2022 All-Star Game.
During the 2022 offseason, Bryce Harper, a close friend and former teammate, helped convince Trea to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Trea’s start with the Phillies in 2023 was anything but smooth. He struggled significantly, and even his mother was seen booing him from the stands. In an unusual turn of events, a local sports radio station suggested that fans give Trea a standing ovation to lift his spirits.
The ovation took place on August 4, and it had an immediate impact. In the 48 games following the ovation, Trea batted .337 with 16 home runs, including two in the same inning. His performance turned around dramatically, and he ended the season with 30 stolen bases without being caught, setting an MLB record.
Contract Success and Earnings
Trea Turner’s professional success has translated into significant financial gains. After signing his rookie contract, Trea remained in pre-arbitration until 2018, making around $550,000 annually. In 2019, he was eligible for arbitration and signed a one-year deal with the Nationals worth $3,725,000. The following year, his salary increased to $7,450,000, and in 2021, it jumped to $13,000,000.
In 2022, Trea signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers worth $21,000,000, marking his highest earnings to date. But that was just the beginning. After becoming a free agent, Trea signed an 11-year, $300 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, which included a full no-trade clause. Interestingly, Trea turned down a $342 million offer from the San Diego Padres, opting to join the Phillies instead.
As of now, Trea’s total career earnings stand at an impressive $99,433,404, with much more to come as he continues his career with the Phillies.
Personal Life and Controversies
While Trea Turner is known for his on-field achievements, his personal life has also garnered attention. During his time with the Nationals, Trea rented a $2.8 million home in Arlington County, Virginia, which featured a custom game room. Shortly after, he purchased a stunning 6,000-square-foot mansion in Lake Worth, Florida, for $3,250,000. The property includes a luxurious inground pool, making it the perfect retreat for Trea and his family.
Trea met his future wife, Kristen, while they were both attending NC State. Kristen was a gymnast in college and even appeared in Sports Illustrated. The couple married in 2018 and welcomed their first son in 2021, followed by their second son, Tatum, in 2023.
However, Trea’s career has not been without controversy. In 2018, old Twitter posts from Trea’s college days surfaced, revealing derogatory language. This incident came on the heels of similar controversies involving other MLB players, like Josh Hader and Sean Newcomb. Trea apologized for his past behavior and even gave a tearful press conference. Unlike Hader, who was required to complete sensitivity training, Trea faced no disciplinary action.
On the field, Trea has also had his share of controversial moments. One notable incident occurred when he was called out on a play, leading to a media frenzy. Although these controversies could have derailed his career, Trea has managed to maintain his focus and continue performing at a high level.
A Bright Future Ahead
Trea Turner’s lifestyle is a fascinating mix of professional success, personal fulfillment, and the occasional controversy. From his humble beginnings in Boynton Beach, Florida, to his rise as one of MLB’s most dynamic players, Trea has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with.
As Trea continues his career with the Phillies, fans can expect to see even more incredible moments on the field. With his recent contract and growing family, Trea’s future looks bright, both professionally and personally. And while his lifestyle may not be what you initially thought, it’s clear that Trea Turner is living the dream in more ways than one.