Trevor Story: Red Sox Shortstop’s Comeback

Trevor Story has carved out a reputation as an exciting and impactful player in Major League Baseball. Known for his power hitting, surprising speed, and slick fielding, Story has been a key figure for both the Colorado Rockies and, more recently, the Boston Red Sox. His career has been marked by periods of exceptional offensive production and Gold Glove-caliber defense, though also punctuated by frustrating injuries. 

As of late April 2025, Story continues to be a player of significant interest, with fans and analysts closely following his performance and health as he aims to solidify his role as a cornerstone for the Red Sox.   

Early Career and Rocky Mountain Rise

Born in Irving, Texas, Trevor Story excelled in both baseball and football in high school. Ultimately choosing baseball, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the first round (45th overall) of the 2011 MLB Draft. Story quickly ascended through the Rockies’ minor league system, showcasing a tantalizing blend of power and speed. He earned accolades as a South Atlantic League All-Star in 2012 and was consistently ranked among the top prospects in baseball.

His major league debut in 2016 was nothing short of sensational. Filling in at shortstop for the suspended José Reyes, Story hit two home runs in his very first game, both off Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zack Greinke, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit two home runs in his debut on Opening Day. This storybook start foreshadowed the offensive fireworks Story would frequently provide during his six seasons in Colorado.   

Playing his home games at the hitter-friendly Coors Field undoubtedly inflated some offensive numbers, but Story’s talent was undeniable. He displayed consistent power, hitting 20 or more home runs in each of his full seasons with the Rockies, including a career-high 37 in 2018. He also showcased impressive speed, regularly stealing bases and contributing to the Rockies’ offensive attack in multiple facets. His offensive prowess earned him two All-Star selections (2018, 2019) and two Silver Slugger Awards (2018, 2019).   

Defensively, Story developed into an excellent shortstop, utilizing his athleticism and strong arm to make difficult plays. While advanced metrics sometimes varied, his highlight-reel plays were frequent, and he was considered a Gold Glove-caliber defender during his time in Colorado.

The Move to Boston and Contract Expectations

After six productive seasons with the Rockies, Trevor Story entered free agency following the 2021 season. In March 2022, he signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. This significant investment reflected the Red Sox’s belief in Story’s all-around talent and their need for a dynamic presence in their infield.   

The contract, which runs through the 2027 season and includes a team option for 2028, carries an average annual value of $23.33 million. In 2025, Story’s base salary is $22.5 million. A key element of the contract is a player opt-out clause available after the 2025 season, with a $5 million buyout. If Story chooses to opt out, the Red Sox have the option to void the final year (2028) of the deal for $5 million. This opt-out creates a potential pivotal point in Story’s tenure with the Red Sox, depending on his performance and health through the 2025 season.   

Navigating Injuries in Boston

Since arriving in Boston, Trevor Story’s tenure has been significantly impacted by a series of unfortunate injuries. This has been a major point of concern for the Red Sox and a frequent topic of discussion among fans. His injury history with the Red Sox includes:   

2022: Right hand contusion and left heel contusion, limiting him to 94 games.

2023: Internal bracing procedure on his right ulnar collateral ligament (elbow), causing him to miss the first 112 games of the season and play in only 43 games.

2024: A significant left shoulder injury (glenoid fracture and torn labrum) sustained in April, requiring surgery and sidelining him for a large portion of the season. He returned in September and played in 26 games.   

2025 (Spring Training): Reports of continued back soreness caused him to be scratched from a spring training game, raising concerns about his durability heading into the regular season.   

These injuries have undoubtedly hampered Story’s ability to consistently contribute at the level both he and the Red Sox expect. Staying healthy has become a paramount goal for Story as he aims to prove his long-term value to the team.

Trevor Story’s Performance in 2024 and the Start of 2025

Despite the injury setbacks, when healthy, Story has shown flashes of the impactful player he can be for the Red Sox.

In his limited 26 games played in 2024, after returning from the shoulder injury, Story posted a .255 batting average with two home runs, 10 RBIs, and six stolen bases in 94 at-bats. While these numbers are a small sample size due to the injury, they hinted at his potential to contribute both offensively and on the basepaths upon his return. Notably, towards the end of the 2024 season, he showed improved offensive production.   

As of late April 2025, Trevor Story has played in 101 at-bats across 27 games for the Red Sox. His performance thus far shows encouraging signs, with a .297 batting average, five home runs, 15 RBIs, and six stolen bases. His .795 OPS suggests a solid offensive contribution, and his increased home run and RBI numbers indicate a potential return to his power-hitting capabilities. These early 2025 statistics are a positive development for both Story and the Red Sox, offering hope that he can remain healthy and be a key offensive force.

The Road Ahead for Story in Boston

As the 2025 season progresses, the focus for Trevor Story will undoubtedly be on maintaining his health and consistently performing at a high level. His early offensive numbers in 2025 are a promising sign, indicating that he may be putting the injury struggles behind him and returning to his impactful form.

The looming player opt-out after the 2025 season adds another layer of intrigue to his performance this year. A strong and healthy season could incentivize him to explore free agency again, while continued injury issues or inconsistent play might lead him to exercise his player option and remain with the Red Sox under his current contract terms.

FAQs

Who is Trevor Story?

Trevor Story is an American professional baseball player known for his powerful hitting and defensive skills at shortstop. He currently plays for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB), having previously spent several seasons with the Colorado Rockies.

When did Trevor Story start his MLB career?

Story made his MLB debut on April 4, 2016, with the Rockies. He immediately made headlines by hitting two home runs in his debut game, setting the stage for a remarkable rookie season.

What position does Trevor Story play?

Primarily a shortstop, Trevor Story is also capable of playing second base, which he has done more frequently since joining the Red Sox, depending on team needs and roster construction.

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