The Boston Red Sox have had a rollercoaster of a season. Within those ups and downs, their veteran shortstop, Trevor Story, has been at the heart of everything they’re doing this season. Story has been a massive boost for the Red Sox on both sides of the ball. He also hasn’t shown signs of slowing down as the team barrels toward the postseason. However, one thing is looming for Story, and it’s his contract, which includes an opt-out clause after this season.
The Road for Trevor Story
Story, 32, is in the midst of a resurgent season that could net him Comeback Player of the Year. He signed with the Red Sox before the 2022 season for a six-year, $140 million contract. Between injuries and ineffective play, Story looked to be a potential bust. This, after having plenty of success with the Colorado Rockies.
In fact, earlier this season, he was mired in a long slump for over a month. By the end of May, things had looked bleak for Story in a Red Sox uniform. He hit .158/.200/.232 with only three extra base hits. Plenty of fans were calling for Story to be designated for assignment.
Then his season changed, and something clicked. Now, Story is in the middle of the push the Red Sox are making to reach the postseason for the first time since 2021. Since June 1st, he’s hitting .289/.339/.510 with 15 homers and 15 stolen bases. Among 25 qualified shortstops since that same date, he’s second in homers, fourth in runs, first in RBI, and seventh in fWAR.
As we barrel toward the end of the season, the question becomes simple: Will Trevor Story opt out of his contract after this season? He would leave $55 million on the table if he did.
The Easy Decision
Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote that “it’s far-fetched to believe he’d use it after having only one good half of a season.” He also said that “to opt out of the final two years and $55 million of his contract would be a financial blunder.”
It would be hard to imagine Story betting that a team would pay for what amounts to half a year of production. While he’s having his best year since his last one in Colorado, an aging Story and his agent would be wise to stick around with the Red Sox for the guaranteed money. It’s an easy decision to opt in. However, there is one thing that might change it.
Nightengale’s assessment seems to be correct, but Story and his agent may bet that he could secure one more contract with a little more length. Why is that? The free agent market this offseason is a bit lacking in the offensive department, pending player opt-outs.
The Free Agent Market
Story would be the lead name in this year’s shortstop free agent class, along with Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays. While other names like Luis Rengifo and Ha-Seong Kim come up, it’s really those two that would be at the top of the market. Story can also play second base. The Red Sox deployed him before Xander Bogaerts departed for the San Diego Padres.
Looking further at the market, if Story’s teammate, Alex Bregman, opts out, Pete Alonso picks up his player option, and Cody Bellinger remains in New York, the position player list becomes very short.
While all of this is true, it would still be a surprise if Story ultimately decided to opt out. He has a chance for redemption with the Red Sox this season, particularly with the team likely headed to the postseason. Story could take the risk that he can cash in. He could also stick around and be a part of what the Red Sox are cooking up, and maybe win a World Series or two over the remainder of his contract.
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