Red Sox Sign Trevor Story
The Red Sox weren’t going to go down looking this offseason. Boston has officially made its splash signing. Trevor Story is coming to Fenway Park who is now expected to play second base with Xander Bogaerts remaining at shortstop.
Joel Sherman of the NY Post had the full contract details:
Story, 29, will become the new starting second baseman for Boston. Xander Bogaerts made his thoughts abundantly clear already. He is the team’s starting shortstop and was willing to throw a riot if the team planned to move him from his spot. The Sox infield on Opening Day will likely include Rafael Devers, Bogaerts, Story, and Bobby Dalbec.
The Sox paid a big price for Story but it’s also a phantom contract a bit. If Story performs, he’s going to out out after four years and the Sox likely won’t pick up that 7th year option with so many young players in the system. Boston already has Nick Yorke, Jeter Downs, Blaze Jordan, and Triston Casas waiting in the wings. More than anything, Boston wanted Story for his bat.
With any former Rockies player, it’s tough to not worry about the home and road splits. For his career at Coors Field, Story is a .303/.369/.603 type of guy. On the road, Story is a career .241/.310/.442 guy. Obviously not nearly as good.
On the contrary, it doesn’t tell the full story. On paper, Story’s swing should be built for Fenway. According to Statcast, If Story took all of his at-bats at Fenway Park, he would have hit 38 homers a year ago. Boston needed a right-handed bat and Story should hit plenty of balls over the monster.
After losing Eduardo Rodriguez, Hunter Renfroe, and Kyle Schwarber, there was clear urgency by the Sox front office to land a big bat. Chaim Bloom got the guy he wanted.
