Trevor Story Rejects Opt-Out, Commits to Red Sox Stay
Trevor Story has confirmed that he will not be exercising the opt-out clause in his contract with the Boston Red Sox. This decision means he will remain with the team and collect the remaining $55 million owed on his six-year, $120 million deal.
Contract Details
Story’s current contract includes:
- $25 million salaries for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
- A $5 million buyout for a $25 million club option in 2028.
Performance Overview
Trevor Story, who will turn 33 in a matter of weeks, is coming off a season that was decent but not outstanding by his standards. After struggling in the first three years of his contract due to injuries, he played 157 games in 2025. His performance included:
- A batting average of .263.
- 25 home runs.
- A career-high of 31 stolen bases with only one caught stealing.
This rebound year followed three challenging seasons in which he only managed to play 163 games and hit .232 during that time. His improved stats led to a wRC+ of 101, indicating an average offensive performance. However, Story faced challenges defensively, ending the season with poor metrics: -7 Defensive Runs Saved and -9 Outs Above Average.
Strategic Decision
Given the current state of the free agency market for shortstops, Story and his representatives at Wasserman evaluated the risks associated with opting out. Ultimately, they decided it was wiser to stay with the Red Sox, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding his previous experience during the lockout of 2021-22 that delayed his previous contract.
Future Considerations for the Red Sox
With Story’s commitment, the Red Sox have secured a crucial infield position for 2026. However, other infield roles remain uncertain. Key situations include:
- Alex Bregman exercised his opt-out clause.
- Potential plans for Marcelo Mayer at third base.
- Uncertainty around the second base starter and first base upgrades over Triston Casas, who is returning from an injury-plagued season.
As the Red Sox move forward, they will need to address these gaps while benefiting from Story’s stability and renewed form on the field.
