Every spring, the Red Sox seem to highlight the optimism surrounding the health and performance of shortstop Trevor Story, the team’s power-hitting shortstop who has only played 163 games over three seasons in Boston. The positive news for the Red Sox is that they’ve built a lineup capable of succeeding even if Story faces another significant injury, as has happened in each of his years with the team. They’ve added Alex Bregman to team up with Rafael Devers, expect to have a healthy first baseman Triston Casas, and may even see outfielder Roman Anthony, the top prospect in baseball, join the lineup later this summer. However, if Story can return to his former form—he hit 158 home runs in six years with Colorado before coming to Boston—it would be a major boost, making the Red Sox a serious contender in the AL. With the team in need of right-handed power, Bregman’s signing addresses that need, but Story’s performance could elevate it even further. So far this spring, Story has impressed with two home runs and a .476 batting average in seven games. When asked by former MLB GM Jim Bowden for a standout player, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow offered encouraging news, selecting Story.
Bowden wrote: “He has dealt with injuries ever since he signed with the Red Sox before the 2022 season. He’s currently healthy and they’re expecting big things from him.”
Breslow also shared with Bowden, “Story is back to full strength and seems to be combining his strong defensive abilities with better bat speed and an improved approach. We’re excited about what a healthy Trevor Story can bring to our team.” Story has certainly looked promising so far. However, he showed similar signs of progress last spring as well. While a successful return to the lineup would be a welcome development, there are still valid reasons to remain cautious.
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