Main Story

Boston faces a choice on Trevor Story as he enters the final year of his contract: keep the injury-prone shortstop and hope he rebounds, or move on to create roster and payroll flexibility. With no established replacement and prospect Franklin Arias still developing, keeping Story may be the safest short-term option—unless a trade or a stronger performance from a young infielder changes the equation.

By the Numbers
  • Story’s contract: 6 years, $140 million.
  • He played at least 100 games in just 1 of his first 5 Boston seasons.
  • In 2025, he appeared in 157 games, produced 4.1 rWAR and stole 31 bases.
  • In 2026, he played 64 games and posted a 75 OPS+.
  • Story has not topped a 107 OPS+ in any of his 5 seasons with Boston.
Yes, But

Story’s health and limited offensive production make his sizable contract difficult to justify, and a trade could require Boston to retain salary or include a prospect. Still, he offers veteran leadership and has shown he can be a valuable player when healthy. Releasing him would be costly and could create clubhouse and free-agent perception problems.

State of Play
  • Boston could trade Story, keep him, release him, or explore a coaching role, though the coaching paths are considered unlikely.
  • Franklin Arias is the leading potential long-term replacement but has not yet played in the majors.
  • The decision also depends on Boston’s spending plans and the possibility of new payroll rules or a lockout.
What's Next

Story’s trade market, Arias’ readiness and the Red Sox’s offseason budget will shape the decision. If Story struggles and a prospect earns an everyday role, Boston could eventually consider cutting ties; if he rebounds, the team may keep him for the final year of his deal.

Bottom Line

Boston has reasons to move on, but without a reliable replacement or a favorable trade, keeping Story is the most practical starting point. His health and performance will determine whether that bet pays off—or becomes a costly delay to the next infield plan.