Throughout the offseason, the Boston Red Sox have been linked to numerous free agents. On Sunday morning, they got their man in former Rockies infielder Trevor Story. The Red Sox and Story agreed on a six-year $140 million deal that includes an opt-out after the fourth year that can be negated if a seventh-year club option is exercised. With Opening Day only a few weeks away, the Red Sox have added one of the top bats available and filled one of their biggest holes.
While Story struggled in 2021, he is an immediate upgrade for the Red Sox. The former first-round pick has hit 158 home runs and stolen 100 bases since making his debut in 2016. In that span, he has been an extra bases machine with 180 doubles and 37 triples. A lineup that was already one of the most dangerous in baseball has only gotten better.
Source confirms: Free agent Trevor Story is in agreement with the Red Sox on a six-year, $140M contract. First: @BNightengale
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 20, 2022
Although Story has terrorized pitchers, he is a premier defender. During his career, Story has turned 487 double plays and posted a .979 fielding percentage. In Colorado, he accrued a 21.6 fWAR and will play second base in Boston, allowing Xander Bogaerts to stay at shortstop. The Red Sox infield also includes Rafael Devers with prized prospect Triston Casas one call away from the majors.
How Story fits into the Red Sox plans
When news of the deal broke Red Sox players such as Enrique Hernandez did not shy away from sharing their excitement.
“I’ve always said that if you can play shortstop, you can play anywhere. And I’ve seen him play enough to know that he’s incredibly athletic and he’s gifted. So, I don’t doubt one bit that he’s going to be able to transition smoothly to second base and help us win some ballgames and help us get to October and deep into October.”
While Story is extremely talented, he has played exclusively at shortstop in the majors. The next few weeks will be full of adjustments, but It’s a challenge the Texas native is prepared for. He could also shift back to short in 2023 as Bogaerts can opt-out of his current deal this winter. In a loaded AL East, the Red Sox now have one of the best infields in baseball.
Entering the offseason, Chaim Bloom had yet to hand out a big free-agent contract during his Red Sox tenure. Story is the exception due to a resume that includes two Silver Slugger awards and two All-Star appearances. Still, only 29-years old, Story is far from done and has a promising future ahead in Boston.
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