Breslow stressed his belief in Trevor when healthy. “We know what Trevor is capable of doing when he’s healthy and performing,” he said. The season was riddled with injuries and occasional slumps, so evaluations are ongoing. Any roster move will be discussed privately before any public comment.
Story inked a six-year, $140 million deal right after the March 2022 lockout. Five seasons in, the pact has largely missed its mark for Boston. He’s flashed bursts of production, yet injuries have repeatedly curtailed his playing time. In the first half‑decade, he exceeded 94 games only once.
2025 saw Story appear in 157 games, mixing rough starts with a late surge. He finished with 25 homers, 31 steals, but posted a meager 5 % walk rate and a 26.9 % strikeout clip. His slash line of .263/.308/.433 generated a 102 wRC+, slightly above average, buoyed by a .330 BABIP. After that flash, a hernia operation limited him to 64 games in 2026, where he slumped to .235/.271/.351.
Looking ahead to 2027, a healthy Story could rebound, yet his injury history and 34‑year‑old status make that a gamble. Trading him would be complex; his ten‑and‑five no‑trade clause guarantees full protection after a decade of service and five years with the Sox.
Even without the clause, Boston owes him $30 million—$25 million salary for next season plus a $5 million buyout on a 2028 option. Few clubs will shoulder that price for a player plagued by absences and mediocre output, and the no‑trade shield only deepens the hurdle.
“Premature,” Breslow replied when asked if Arias could earn the role out of spring training. He added that discussions about Franklin focus on maximizing the offseason, building strength, and sharpening both his hitting and baserunning.
In theory, Story could retain the position until Arias overtakes him, then shift to second base or a bench role. Curtis Mead is projected as the everyday second baseman next year, yet he’s logged just one game for Boston after a wrist fracture from a pitch following his trade for pitcher Connelly Early.
The DH slot might open if Story and Mead compete for second‑base minutes, but Boston’s crowded outfield adds complexity. Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran and Masataka Yoshida remain on the roster. Though several dealt with 2026 injuries, all should be ready by spring, and a trade could relieve some pressure, yet the roster feels packed for now.
The Sox have eyed outside shortstop targets. In 2026 they flirted with Angels’ Zach Neto and Marlins’ Otto Lopez. Revisiting those names could spare reliance on a Story bounce‑back or an Arias breakout, but acquiring either would demand a hefty talent package, and Boston may balk at such a cost.
Elsewhere, first baseman Triston Casas has returned to workouts and may play winter ball with the Dominican Tigres del Licey. After two lost seasons—knee surgery in May 2025, then intercostal and wrist setbacks in 2026—sending him to the D.R. to shake off rust makes sense.
Before the injury marathon, Casas showed promise, logging 840 plate appearances from 2022‑2024 with 42 homers. His 26.9 % strikeout rate was a touch high, but a stellar 14.2 % walk rate lifted his slash line to .250/.357/.473 and a 127 wRC+.
Boston isn’t counting on his revival. The club brought in Willson Contreras for first base a year ago and still retains him. With Casas still option‑eligible, the Sox can keep him in the minors until he strings together health and consistent hitting.
The DH mix remains fluid, leaving Casas with limited paths in 2027. With Yoshida and Story set for free agency after the season—and Story’s 2028 option likely declined—Boston faces a roster reshuffle. Contreras also holds a 2028 club option that looks probable. Injuries or trades in 2027 could rewrite the entire picture. For my money, Story’s contract is a sunk cost.