There is a Philadelphia Phillies player who could threaten Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series which begins on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
And the Philadelphia Phillies have a so-called X-factor that could tip the scales in favor of Rob Thomson’s side, who not only won the National League East Division but also had the second-best record in the senior circuit, allowing them to qualify directly for the National League Division Series where they awaited the winner of the Wild Card Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds.
The Phillies player who could threaten Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers
Trea Turner has the key to success for the Philadelphia Phillies that could threaten Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series
The Phillies shortstop, Trea Turner, is considered an X-factor. Despite the fact that both teams have star players on their rosters, Trea Turner is one of the best pure hitters in all of baseball
Trea Turner had the opportunity to give the Phillies the 2025 National League batting crown and has become, along with Kyle Schwarber, one of the most intimidating starting duos in Major League Baseball. If they can match or surpass the production of Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, Philadelphia would have an advantage.
Trea Turner’s impressive OBP can boost the Phillies’ offense. While Kyle Schwarber represents the biggest challenge for Dave Roberts in deciding how to face the Phillies’ batting order, Trea Turner stands out as a threat behind him
Throughout his career, the infielder has shown that he can get on base consistently and wreak havoc around an opposing pitcher when he does. He is someone the pitching staff should be very wary of. Turner’s stats are a little skewed due to time lost to injury. However, a .304 batting average with a .355 on-base percentage still marks him as an elite hitter.
He will get on base consistently during the series, making home runs by Harper and J.T. Realmuto hurt even more. If Turner ignites his team’s offense, the Phillies can end a game very quickly.
Trea Turner batting second is equally threatening for a Dodgers team that wants to neutralize the Phillies’ offense. Philadelphia’s offense is lethal when it’s in rhythm, and Trea Turner is the straw that stirs the drink.
Trea Turner’s defensive presence
The defensive presence of Trea Turner could limit the small-ball attack of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The shortstop is the key piece of Thomson’s infield defense
Trea Turner had his best defensive season in 2025, giving the Phillies a big edge on the left side of the infield. Philadelphia hopes his glove will be noticed in October. Trea Turner is a better all-around player and a much superior defender. Trea Turner will have an important role to play. Trea Turner is the X-factor that could change everything. In addition, he was already a champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020.
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