Veteran shortstop Trevor Story began the 2025 season on a strong note for the Boston Red Sox, but his performance has sharply declined since late April—and he’s now hurting the team in multiple ways.
At this point, getting minimal production from a key position would be an upgrade over what Story is currently providing. He’s become a liability as the infield leader and is also standing in the way of top prospect Marcelo Mayer’s potential call-up. That said, rookie Kristian Campbell’s extended slump could open a path for Mayer regardless.
Amid Boston’s ongoing lineup instability—partly caused by the addition of marquee offseason signing Alex Bregman—Story’s struggles have become impossible to ignore. It’s becoming harder to have confidence in him, let alone justify the six-year, \$140 million deal he signed with the Red Sox in 2022.
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Red Sox SS Trevor Story is far from living up to his $140M contract
Trevor Story is slashing .231/.275/.341 with six home runs and 21 RBIs over 182 at-bats this season. His .615 OPS is significantly below the league average of .711, and he currently leads the American League with 59 strikeouts—a distinction no hitter wants.
If Story were still providing elite defense, it might help offset his struggles at the plate. But that’s not the case in 2025, as he’s tracking toward the worst defensive campaign of his decade-long MLB career. The 32-year-old has posted -3 Outs Above Average (OAA) and a -0.1 defensive WAR, marking a steep decline in the field.
Meanwhile, top prospect Marcelo Mayer is flourishing at Triple-A Worcester, making Story’s continued presence in the lineup even harder to justify. Mayer’s emergence is a clear reminder to fans of the alternative Boston could be embracing—one that seems increasingly Major League-ready. The main holdup? Story.
Although Story is under contract through at least 2027, the Red Sox must seriously evaluate whether continuing to start him is worthwhile. At this point, clinging to the hope of a turnaround is costing valuable time and opportunity. It’s time for Boston to admit the investment hasn’t worked out and give Mayer the shot he’s earned.
