Copyright MassLive
LAS VEGAS — In no uncertain terms, Craig Breslow made one thing clear Monday night: He sees Trevor Story as the Red Sox’ shortstop in 2026. Story, who declined to exercise his contractual opt-out last week and will return to Boston for the final two years of his six-year contract, started 155 games at shortstop for Boston in 2025. Across the board, the numbers suggest it was a bit of a struggle defensively for the veteran. Story struggled with range, recording negative-9 outs above average (the third percentile of MLB shortstops). He also ranked in the 10th percentile in fielding run value (-8) and 36th percentile in arm strength (82.3 mph). Story finished with negative-seven defensive runs saved in 1,371 ⅓ innings at shortstop, ranking him 20th out of 22 qualified MLB shortstops in that category. He made six errors during a seven-game stretch in late September with five coming on throws to first base. Those factors would seem to make it possible for the Red Sox to shift Story to second base, where he played in 2022 alongside Xander Bogaerts, and fill the shortstop spot with a better defender, either from the outside or with an internal option like Marcelo Mayer. But Breslow was adamant that the team remains high on Story’s defense. “I’m aware of some of the errors. I’m aware of what some of the defensive metrics indicate,” Breslow said at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as the GM Meetings opened. “I also think that he brought a stabilizing presence to the infield. I think some of his errors were clustered toward the end of the season, in just a short time period. And also, he hasn’t played a full season in a really long time. I think he’s going into the offseason with no doubts about his health, with no doubts about his ability to perform at a really high level. I think we’re going to see even more production out of the next year. “When Trevor was playing shortstop, we felt like balls that were put in play to the shortstop were going to be converted into outs. He and I have a great relationship and the communication is very, very clear. The commitment we have to each other is to be honest with one another.” Breslow said he did not feel the need to communicate with Story about his future position, hinting that the two men, who have a good relationship, didn’t feel the subject was one worth addressing. Still, it’s clear that the Red Sox, who are exploring every avenue to improve their roster in 2026, have to be open to potential moves that would improve the infield defense, which has been an issue for years. Bo Bichette, the top free agent shortstop, doesn’t grade out as a great defender. Ha-Seong Kim would be an upgrade with his glove. Mayer is a smooth, athletic defender who is a natural shortstop but logged only three innings at the position as a rookie. He made 28 starts at third base when Alex Bregman was out with a quad injury and also played eight games (seven starts) at second base. Mayer’s position for next season is an open question entering 2026 as he tries to recover from wrist surgery and stay healthy for a full season. As a professional, Mayer hasn’t logged more than 91 games in a single year (2022). “We saw a gifted defender, because this was a guy who has played shortstop his entire life, then took some reps at second base and looked completely comfortable and natural,” Breslow said. “Played third base for the first time over an extended period in the big leagues, starting with his debut. He played the part of a really good defensive third baseman. I think that versatility is going to be incredibly helpful. I think he can play above average defense, probably, anywhere on the infield.” Story, instead of pursuing a bigger contract on the open market, decided to return to the Red Sox and earn $55 million over the next two seasons. The Red Sox hold a club option over the soon-to-be 33-year-old for 2028. Questions about his future position will linger until then. For now, though, the shortstop position is his to lose. “Trevor decided not to opt out and he, I thought, made some pretty pointed quotes about believing in the organization, the support he felt and the direction that we’re headed,” Breslow said. “I subscribe to that position. “Trevor and I have had a number of conversations this offseason and he’s excited and anxious to take on the work this winter and to go into spring training with some clear development opportunities on the defensive side. We’ve discussed ensuring that we’re providing him with information to let him know how his performance is trending.”
