Phillies' Trea Turner Reveals 'Phone Never Rang' Despite Interest In Playing for Team USA at WBC

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner told reporters on Monday he would have happily represented Team USA at this year's World Baseball Classic, but an invite was never extended.

"Uh, I don't know if it was disappointed," he said when asked about not participating. "It's something I want to do. Phone never rang. ... Happens. But I wish those guys all the best. It's so much fun, I gladly would have done it again. I said it last time, if they ever ask I would say yes. They've got a great roster this year. Stacked. So I think we're in a good spot to win. I'll definitely be watching."

It's hard to blame Team USA too much for going in a different direction.

The team ultimately chose shortstops Bobby Witt Jr. (.295 with 23 homers, 88 RBI, 99 runs, 38 stolen bases and a .852 OPS in 2025) and Gunnar Henderson (.274 with 17 homers, 68 RBI, 85 runs, 30 stolen bases and a .787 OPS), two of the top young players at the position in the sport. Witt was an All-Star, Gold Glover and Silver Slugger in 2025—he'll be the expected starter.

Turner, 32, was very good himself in 2025, hitting .304 with 15 homers, 69 RBI, 94 runs, 36 stolen bases and a .812 OPS.

He was also Team USA's best player at the 2023 WBC, hitting .368 with five homers, 11 RBI and five runs. That made his snub a bit more surprising, though the Americans were choosing from a deep pool at the position.

The Phillies did have three players selected to play for the United States, however, as first baseman Bryce Harper, designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and reliever Brad Keller made the roster.