After seeing All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman opt out of his contract on Monday, the Boston Red Sox got some good news on Tuesday with star shortstop Trevor Story opting into the remaining two years and $50 million left on his contract.
Coming off his best season since 2021, Story could have tested the market, which is light on top-end shortstops this winter. However, the two-time All-Star decided to remain with the Red Sox instead.
In an article for MassLive, team insider Chris Cotillo revealed what may have motivated Story to stay in Boston.
“According to a source with knowledge of Story’s thinking, Story expressed to the Red Sox that he made his decision in large part because he appreciates the organization and its direction,” Cotillo wrote.
Boston has remained patient with Story during his four seasons with the team, the first three of which were ravaged by injuries. The Red Sox could have moved on from him like they did with Chris Sale, especially with Marcelo Mayer waiting in the wings. They stuck with him, however, helping him return to form with his big 2025 campaign.
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Story can also see that Boston is heading in the right direction. The Red Sox just made the playoffs for the first time in four years and are poised to keep improving with all of their young talent, giving Story a good chance to win his first World Series ring.
“There was probably a sense that, with the financial factors around equal, that Story not only wanted to be in Boston but also felt some sort of obligation to the organization, especially as a leader,” Cotillo added.
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At 32, Story was the Red Sox’s oldest everyday player this year and emerged as a clubhouse leader, playing a big brother role to his younger teammates.
Given the uncertainty around Bregman and the rest of its infield, Boston is likely glad to have Story back in the fold.
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