Earlier this week, Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story elected to opt-in to the final two years of his contract with the organization, solidifying the left side of the infield as the Sox work to build upon their solid season of 2025.

By opting-in, Story will make approximately $50 million over the next two seasons. The Red Sox will have one less question in the infield.

The Story story

Story spent much of his first three years in Boston injured but rebounded in a big way as the Sox made the playoffs in 2025. He played 157 games, hitting .263 with 25 home runs, 96 RBIs and 31 stolen bases. He only posted a .308 on-base percentage, but still posted a positive OPS+ of 104. He also had 29 doubles.

As usual, Story played excellent defense at shortstop. Moving forward, it's unclear who will join him on the left side of the infield. Boston could re-sign Alex Bregman to play third base, or they could turn the position over to youngster Marcelo Mayer.

What he's saying

Story joined the '310 to Left' podcast on NESN on Thursday to talk more about his decision to stay, saying:

“To me, it’s pretty simple. There’s not another organization I want to be a part of. I’m just in love with the place, and got some unfinished business.” Story said, as shared by Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. “I came here for a reason, and we’re finally good. I’m not going to leave when it’s time to start skyrocketing.

“Also, just with the resources that we have being the Red Sox, we know that [the front office] and ownership are going to keep adding to the group. All things considered, it just feels like a rocket ship is about to take off.”

He's not wrong

The Red Sox have one of the top starting pitchers in baseball in Garrett Crochet and have one of the top closers in Aroldis Chapman. Furthermore, they have some of the best young talent in baseball with Roman Anthony and Mayer, and they just saw both Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela win Gold Glove Awards in the outfield.

If they can find another front line starting pitcher, they just may position themselves as one of the best teams in the American League in 2026.

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