Trevor Story is officially off the market. The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms with Story, reportedly for six years, $140 million. It includes an opt-out after four years, one that the Red Sox can avoid by adding a seventh year. Story will join an infield that includes Bobby Dalbec, Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers. Story’s desire to remain at shortstop was a high priority, but it appears that in Boston, he might have to move to second base.
Trevor Story has reached an agreement with the Boston #Redsox
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 20, 2022
The 6-year, $140 million contract includes an opt out after the fourth year. The Redsox could void the opt out by adding a seventh year making the deal worth $160 million over 7 years. https://t.co/EyyGN9fpgM
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 20, 2022
Story Brings Offense and Defense to Red Sox
Over the last six seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Story has accumulated 20.6 wins above replacement and two all-star appearances. He hits for power and gets on base. From 2018-2020 Story had a slash line of .292/.355/.554. After a bit of a down year in 2021, the Red Sox are counting on Story to return to form and produce an OPS closer to the .909 he produced in the prior three seasons.
There is some concern that leaving Colorado might lower those numbers a bit, but former teammates Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu have been just fine outside of Denver. However, Story has had pretty drastic home and away splits during his career. He loses 62 points from his batting average when away from Coors, and his OPS is 220 points lower on the road. Some of this may be Coors, and some may come down to being on the road. But the concern is reasonable until Story proves otherwise.
Despite concerns about the offense, Story should remain a good defender. He has managed 10.6 in dWAR in his career and his 50 Total Zone Runs is 26th among active players.
In addition to the Red Sox, a number of other teams, including the Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, and Los Angeles Angels had been linked to Story.
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Players mentioned:
Trevor Story, Bobby Dalbec, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu
