Free agent shortstop Trevor Story is signing with the Boston Red Sox, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The contract, six-years, $140 million, marks the biggest that Chaim Bloom has given out in his short tenure as the Red Sox’s Chief Baseball Officer, and puts the team in a much better position in an already stacked AL East. Rumors had been circulating throughout free agency that Story was on the Sox’s radar, and they’ve now been made official.
After a rocky defensive year in the infield (-25 defensive runs saved), Boston gets the defensive spark they need in Story. The righty bat produced nine defensive runs saved in 2021, and is one of the best defensive infielders in the league. In his entire major league career, Story has only played shortstop, though he has agreed to play second base in 2022. For a player of his defensive caliber, the transition should be pretty smooth.
A former Colorado Rocky, Story saw a decline at the plate last year hitting only a 103 OPS+ at a very hitter-friendly ballpark. His average in years prior was 114 OPS+, with his peak being 2018 with 127. That being said, Story still managed to rack up 4.2 Baseball Reference wins above replacement because of his elite defense and baserunning, which he brings to a team otherwise lacking it in 2021.
The six year deal includes an opt-out after the fourth season, but Boston can tack on a seventh year ($20 million) to prevent Story from testing free agency. He provides insurance in case Bogaerts leaves the Sox following his 2022 campaign, and serves as a great alternative in the infield. With Marcelo Mayer lurking in the system, this contract gives the front office a ton of freedom. If Mayer is a bust after four years, hold on to Story by adding the seventh year, but if Mayer is the real deal, let Story opt-out.
With a very strong American League east, this signing puts the Red Sox right in the mix to win the division. The front office still has a lot of time to put all of the pieces together to create a championship contender, and it would not be a surprise to see a few more moves done in the next few days. But for now, Story makes this club a whole lot better, and the Red Sox really look like a force to be reckoned with.
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