Expectations Are High for Turner

By Zach Francis

Syracuse, N.Y. - High expectations are hard for almost anyone to live up to. When you’re one year removed from being a first round draft pick, like Syracuse Chiefs shortstop Trea Turner, high expectations are part of the territory.

“I have high expectations for myself, but I couldn’t really tell you what the expectations from other people are,” Turner said, Wednesday night after the Chiefs 9-5 win over Lehigh Valley. “It doesn’t matter to me what other people have expectations for. I know what I want to be.”

On the season, Turner is batting .317 across three teams with eight home runs, 53 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.

Turner, the 13^th overall pick in the 2014 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft out of North Carolina State University by the San Diego Padres, is expected by most experts to do big things in his career. The Washington Nationals, the parent team of the Chiefs, thought so highly of him, they were willing to wait nearly six months to get him.

On December 19, 2014, the Padres, Tampa Bay Rays and the Nationals agreed on a trade that centered around Wil Myers being sent from Tampa Bay to San Diego. A key part of the trade was a certain player to be named later the Padres would send to Washington. At the time it was widely expected that Turner was that player.

Because of Major League Baseball rules, players are not eligible to be traded until one year after they are drafted. On June 14^th, just over one year after he was drafted, the trade was completed and Turner became a member of the Nationals organization. The expectations at that point were higher than ever.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity the Nationals have given me,” Turner said. “I’m just going to try and go out and win as many games as possible for this team.”

Winning has been something Turner has done at every level. He was a leader on N.C. State’s 2013 run to the College World Series, and has been a key contributor to the Chiefs' second half revival, helping lead the team to nine straight wins in early August.

Chiefs manager Billy Gardner says Turner’s natural baseball abilities will continue to help his teams win and has helped him succeed up to this level.

“He’s very athletic and he’s got a high baseball IQ,” Gardner said. “He can really run, he can really hit. He’s got a high ceiling. He’s got the talent to be in the big leagues and stay there for a while.”

Turner is known for his speed and his defense, with 26 total stolen bases this season and a .960 fielding percentage from arguably the most difficult position on the field.

“He’s going to impact the game with his legs and also with his glove,” Gardner said. “He’s got a really good make up and intangibles.”

As Turner continues to improve, the expectations will continue to rise.

“I’m excited for the future and I’m going to work hard to reach my expectations for myself,” Turner said. “I’m glad the Nationals have given me the opportunity to play at the highest level in the minor leagues. We’ll see where it goes from here.”