Trea Turner claims ‘phone never rang’ about WBC chance after being Team USA hero in 2023

Phillies shortstop Trea Turner wanted to run it back with Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.

He had a convincing case, too, after tying the tournament record and leading his country with five homers back in the 2023 iteration of the event, too.

But when Team USA announced its roster ahead of this year’s tournament in March, Turner was left off it and he revealed Monday that it wasn’t because he turned down an opportunity to play.

“It’s something I wanted to do, but the phone never rang,” Turner told reporters from his locker at the Phillies’ spring training complex. “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.”

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa and general manager Michael Hill selected the Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. and the Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson over the 32-year-old Turner as Team USA shortstops — giving the infield a different complexion as they look to win the tournament after falling to Japan in the 2023 championship game.

Led by captain and Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, Team USA’s star-studded roster also includes two of Turner’s Phillies teammates in Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper.