JUST IN: Phillies Infielders Already Competing for Bragging Rights of ‘Fastest Phillie’ This Season

Philadelphia Phillies fans are being rewarded for their patience this offseason, with a plethora of Phillies stuff arriving from Clearwater during spring training. There have been numerous intriguing bits and pieces from interviews and practices, providing us with enough stuff to keep us busy until the season begins.

In addition, when asked by NBC reporters about his 31 stolen bases last year, Bryson Stott provided a hilarious detail:

“I’ve never stolen 30 bases in my life, so I think that was pretty cool,” Stott told reporters. “And I’m just kinda messing with Trea [Turner] and telling him that he’s supposed to be the fast guy, and I somehow stole more bases than him.”

Shortstop Trea Turner brought his reputation as a speed demon on the base paths with him to Philadelphia. Turner stole 30 bases during his first year with the Phillies, bringing his career total to 230. However, 30 was insufficient to claim the title of quickest on the squad, as Stott edged him out by only one. It’s funny to imagine Stott confronting Turner for beating him by one bag.

Turner revealed to the journalists, shaking his head, that Stott likes to troll him about it. So there is some friendly competition within the crew! We like the sound of that; it demonstrates the strength of Turner and Stott’s friendship, as well as the accountability to improve and be the quickest guy on the team.
The Phillies intend to continue taking advantage of MLB rule revisions.
Turner and Stott both discussed how much easier it will be to steal bases this season due to the team’s pace and the new MLB rules.

“It’s fun to steal. “I think we have some guys who can really run, and I think we’ll try that again,” Stott said.

Turner, for his part, stated that he wants to steal more in 2024. We can’t blame him after going a perfect 30-for-30 in the regular season and 4-for-5 in the postseason last year.

“I think there’s opportunities to steal more for sure,” he said. “And just with the new rules and everything, I think it’s set up to kind of take advantage and put pressure on the other team.”

Phillies fans should expect aggressive baserunning from the squad this year, particularly from Turner and Stott, who will compete for the most stolen bases. It will be interesting to follow this throughout the season and see who wins the title of quickest Phillie this year.