Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story may finally return to prime form in 2025.
It’s not that Story is not a talented hitter or a rangy defender on the left side of the infield, but the 32-year-old has battled injuries for the duration of his Red Sox tenure.
Since signing a gargantuan 6-year, 140-million dollar contract in 2022, Story has been limited to just 163 games over three seasons.
Whether it be a fractured right shoulder, elbow surgery, or various hand and heel issues, Story has been unable to put together a healthy campaign for Boston. Don’t overlook the mental toll these injuries take, too.
Boston Red Sox SS Trevor Story
Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
However, he enters 2025 feeling his best since perhaps his days as a Colorado Rocky:
From 2017 to 2021, Story was a phenom out west. Sure, he benefitted from the Coors Park altitude, but he was also a two-time all-star and silver slugger. In those five seasons, he averaged 130 games per year — playing over 140 games in four of five seasons — with 26 home runs, 76 RBIs, and an .856 OPS.
He was also in the top 12 of MVP voting for three consecutive years.
Given the Red Sox’s loaded batting order, Story has somewhat fallen through the cracks. He figures to slot into the five or six-hole, solidifying a fearsome heart of the order including Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman, and Triston Casas.
If he can stay healthy, watch out for a major bounce-back effort from the veteran.
