Phillies' Trea Turner Wins NL Batting Title With Record-Low .304 Average in MLB Season

Trea Turner secured the 2025 National League batting title with a .304 average, marking one of the lowest averages ever to win the title and the only qualified hitter in the NL to surpass .300 this season. Turner attributed the difficulty of hitting in today's game to pitchers throwing harder, often reaching 100 mph, and possessing a diverse arsenal of six pitches, combined with improved defensive play. His achievement is significant given the modern challenges hitters face, including fast pitching, sophisticated defensive shifts, and increased strikeouts. Turner's accomplishment ended a long Phillies drought for batting champions since Richie Ashburn in 1958 and underscored how the hitting landscape has evolved, with far fewer players hitting above .300 compared to past decades. Despite returning from a hamstring injury and going hitless in his first game back, Turner’s average held, and he will lead the Phillies as they enter the postseason aiming to capitalize on a strong 96-win season. Additionally, Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber led the league with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, highlighting the team's offensive prowess as they prepare for the playoffs.