Boston’s 2026 infield is a blank canvas. Alex Bregman’s opt-out is all but signed, Triston Casas is rehabbing from major knee surgery, and Marcelo Mayer—electric at 22—still carries injury red flags. That leaves Trevor Story, the $140 million shortstop entering the final guaranteed year of his deal, holding the brush.
Story can walk away from $55 million ($25M in 2026 and twin $30M club options for 2027-28) or stay put. A month ago, opting in looked automatic. Then he slugged 21 homers in 94 games, flashed vintage pop, and suddenly the exit ramp looks tempting.
If he returns, the Red Sox face their own dilemma: keep him at shortstop or slide him to second and hand the keys to Mayer?
Sean McAdam of MassLive floated the idea Sunday, noting Story’s defensive metrics cratered in 2025. He finished with minus-9 outs above average at short, capped by six errors—mostly throws—in a seven-game September spiral. Fatigue, not age (he turns 33 in November), appeared the culprit.
A shift to second could mask declining range and arm strength. Story was a plus defender there in 2022 when he deferred to Xander Bogaerts. The power dynamic is different now: Mayer has 44 big-league games, not Bogaerts’ résumé.
The Devers third-base saga taught Boston that forcing a star off his spot can backfire. Story, however, has embraced leadership. Sometimes that means making the unselfish play.
Clock’s ticking. Story’s decision will shape the infield—and the Red Sox’ winter—for years to come.