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Red Sox Face Critical Crossroads With Trevor Story as Struggles Persist

MLB access_alarms2025-05-22 12:50:26 visibility12 text_decrease title text_increase

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Table of Contents

The Injury Plague and Underperformance

Trevor Story's Boston journey continues to test organizational patience. The 2023 UCL elbow surgery and 2024 season-ending Shoulder injury (requiring glenoid rim repair) created physical and mental hurdles. While his late-2024 return showed promise (.270 BA, 5 SB in 18 games), 2025's .226 BA and .617 OPS through May reveal concerning regression. His 31 at-bats demonstrate particular vulnerability against breaking balls and high-velocity fastballs.

Red Sox Face Critical Crossroads with Trevor Story as Struggles Persist

Defensive Bright Spot, Offensive Concern

Though maintaining Gold Glove-caliber defense at shortstop, Story's offensive production falls short of historical standards for the position. This imbalance creates lineup challenges as Boston chases postseason baseball (current 51.2% playoff odds).

Contract Realities and Roster Evolution

With $50M remaining through 2027 and an improbable opt-out, Story's contract complicates roster construction. Top prospect Marcelo Mayer's development adds urgency - the 21-year-old's defensive versatility (recently practicing at 2B/3B) suggests management's long-term planning.

Playoff Push Paradox

The Red Sox face competing priorities: leveraging Story's experience during contention while preparing for Mayer's eventual takeover. This balancing act becomes critical as they trail division rivals Yankees and Orioles.

Cora's Leadership Challenge

Manager Alex Cora's Contract extension intensifies scrutiny of his handling of Story. Recent strategies include:

Batting order demotion to reduce pressure
Increased defensive rotation flexibility
Public reinforcement of Story's clubhouse value

With Boston's bullpen ranking 21st in ERA, Cora must extract maximum value from every position player - whether through Story's resurgence or strategic platooning.

Path to Redemption

Story's offseason focused on two key areas:

Advanced biomechanical swing analysis
Sports psychology sessions addressing injury trauma

Early returns remain mixed. The organization's deadline approaches: commit to Story's $16.6M AAV through prime contention years or accelerate youth movement. This decision could define Boston's trajectory through 2027 .