Heading into the start of the MLB offseason, the major decision facing the Red Sox was the future of Alex Bregman, who opted out of his contract as expected this week and officially became a free agent. There was also the future of starting pitcher Lucas Giolito at stake, with a mutual option between the sides–and no surprise that Giolito exercised his opt-out of the contract, which would have paid him $19 million next season.
But the biggest question, at least when it came to option decisions, was on shortstop Trevor Story, who had a $75 million option on the table that needed to be accepted or declined by Wednesday. Story, according to reports, opted in, meaning he will be with the Red Sox for as much as three more seasons, at $25 million per year.
The Red Sox do have a club option on the third year of the deal, so it’s possible that Story will be around for 2026 and 2027 before Boston moves on.
Red Sox Infield in Flux
It’s certainly a positive for the Red Sox, even as the infield remains in flux. Boston does not have a sure-bet option at first base, where Triston Casas was injured last spring and is not guaranteed a 2026 job. Second base remains wide open, with Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell among the top options.
And Bregman could be back at third. Or the Red Sox could look to Mayer or free agency to shore up the position.
At the very least now, the Red Sox will have Story in place at shortstop, which was no sure thing one day ago.
Trevor Story Produced for Red Sox
It’s a great–pardon the pun–story for the Red Sox, as the team was rumored to be considering DFA-ing Story back in May, when he was struggling to perform after two injury-ravaged season. But Story, a solid defensive shortstop, finally began showing the kind of offensive pop the Red Sox thought they were getting when they gave him his $140 million mega-contract back in 2022.
Story hit .263 this year with 25 homers and 96 RBIs, also providing 31 stolen bases.
His ability to do a little bit of everything for the team, while finally staying healthy, meant a lot to him this season.
“It’s cool to check that off the list as I come back from all those injuries,” said Story, via NESN. “I really try to pride myself on trying to be a complete player and it’s a good mark of it. It means a lot to me to do it here with these guys, with this team. The way we’re doing it, playing winning baseball, that’s the thing that matters the most.”
And now, Story will be back for a couple more years to try to keep playing winning baseball.
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