Red Sox’s $140 Million ‘Nightmare’ Signing Set to Leave Boston By 2026
Is there still time for the highly paid veteran to change the narrative?
How will the Boston Red Sox manage the future with their frequently injured nine-figure shortstop?
Trevor Story played fewer games with Boston in 2024 than in any of the previous three years. A gut-wrenching shoulder injury on the Red Sox’s season-opening road trip limited him to just 26 games, bringing his total to 163 games across three Boston seasons.
Story was signed in 2022, following the Red Sox’s last playoff appearance. They have not been able to replicate their postseason performance, and his struggle to remain healthy has been a major contributor to their defensive shortcomings.
The Red Sox still value what Story can do for them when he’s healthy, but it may not be enough to keep him in Boston after next season. 2025 is shaping up to be a make-or-break year for the soon-to-be 32-year old.
According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, Story’s deal is a “nightmare” for the Red Sox, and he is expected to leave Boston in 2025.
“Story’s defense has been positive, with 20 Outs Above Average at shortstop and second base. However, unless he hits, Boston may be inclined to transfer him out of the way of Marcelo Mayer and/or Kristian Campbell,” Reuter said.
“Either way, it seems possible that Story won’t even be on the Red Sox anymore come 2026.”
After this season, Story will still be owed $50 million of the $140 million he signed for. That’s a lot of money to spend to get rid of a player, whether by trade or simply waiving him. But the Red Sox did exactly that with Pablo Sandoval in 2017.
It’s too early to speculate, and Story still has the ability to change the narrative if he stays healthy through 2025. However, if things continue on their current course, a difficult debate will be necessary.
