August is the month, according to last night’s Boston Red Sox flagship television station’s, on-field reporter. This was reported as it was also reported that Trevor Story was throwing from shortstop, before last night’s rain-delayed, extra-innings, 4-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies. At first, this writer thought, “I must not have heard that right.” I rewound the telecast. Sure enough, “Trevor Story is targeting an August return,” said the Red Sox on-field reporter, in an almost cheery tone. While no timetable was put on his return this season, he was placed on the 60-day injured list in mid-February. The thought of an August return seemed excessive, in my non-scientific or medicinal, mind. Yet, to this point, when it comes to Story, expect the unexpected.
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Coming in August: Trevor Story to the Red Sox
It is important to note this is what the on-field reporter told viewers, which was told to him by Story. This is not Red Sox front office personnel saying this. This estimate did not come from the Red Sox doctor or athletic trainer, individuals who may have a better timetable. Assuming Story does make it back to the team for their first game in August, he will have the opportunity to play in a total of 56 regular season games. This is assuming he plays every day for the rest of the season.
Story’s First Two Seasons in Boston
After signing a six-year, $140 million contract with Boston in March of 2022. In two injury-plagued seasons, Story will have the opportunity to play a combined 150 games. The cost of Story’s services to this point is a pretty eye-opening experience.
Story By the Contract Numbers
Story’s contract breaks down to approximately $23 million a year. If Story were to play all 162 games in a regular season, he would be earning approximately $141, 975 per game. Over two full seasons (324 games), Story earning $141, 975 a game comes out to approximately $47,943,900. Keeping in mind there probably is not a player who plays every single game of a 162-game schedule, Story’s contract numbers are still a bit astonishing. Last season, Story played in 94 games. At roughly $23 million a season, Story earned $244,680 a game. Assuming he returns to the team on August 1st and plays every game for the rest of the season (56), Story will have earned about $410, 719 a game.
But What About DH’ing
Since last night’s August return date announcement, July has been mentioned as the potential for Story to return solely as a DH. Hypothetically, say Story comes back on July 1st. He DH’s for all 23 of the Red Sox games in July. At $141,975 a game and 23 games DH’ing only, that equates to $3,265,425 for a player to go to bat, maybe 92 times. Assuming he does play those 23 as a DH, and adds the remaining 56 at shortstop, that is a total of 79 regular season games. $23 million equates to $291,140 a game; significantly better than $410,719 a million a game, if he were not to come back to DH, on July 1st, but still staggering. Story’s number of games played over two seasons would also rise to 173. Again, the key word is if he returns July 1st.
Trevor Story on returning as a DH in July:
“It’s still definitely a possibility. I’m getting ready for that… That’s something that I really want to do, but there’s a lot of stuff that goes into it. It’s not as simple as it seems. We’ll make that decision here in the coming… pic.twitter.com/MCXl7MFG3s
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) June 13, 2023
Frustration for All
Trevor Story’s two seasons in Boston have been frustrating for everyone involved. Story seems like the type of player who wants to go out and earn his money each day. Yet injuries have prevented that not to any fault of his own (though the timeline of his elbow surgery before this season is questionable). Frustrating for the Red Sox front office who invested a good deal of money in Story, while also allowing longtime stalwart and fan favorite, Xander Bogaerts, walk in free agency this past offseason. Frustrating for the current Red Sox team who sit one game below .500 at 33-34, at the bottom of the American League East. The team that also, currently, is in sixth place in the American League Wildcard race; approximately four games back of the last playoff spot. Frustrating for the loyal Red Sox fans who, upon Story’s signing, expected big things from him.
Takeaway
From an economic standpoint, Trevor Story’s signing of his 6 year, $140 million deal has not been fruitful for the Red Sox. Should Story come back in time to spark the Sox to a playoff berth, his past 17 months with the team will largely be forgotten. The big word is if.
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Photo Credit- James Pittman-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned- Trevor Story, Xander Bogaerts
