The Boston Red Sox's batting order is dangerously short on right-handers, and it has been for most of the season. The return of Trevor Story has brought more of the righty pop the Sox have needed.
Since Story was reinstated from the 60-day injured list on Sept. 7, he's batted .263/.300/.421 with 10 hits, two homers and four RBI over 11 games. He's been a nice lift to Boston's slumping offense, and if he can stay healthy next season, the Sox may not need to invest in as many righty bats this offseason.
The Red Sox have struggled to hit lefty pitching consistently. This year, they're slashing .245/.317/.409 with a .726 OPS against southpaws — their .245 average is No. 14 in the league, which places them just above average in success against left-handers.
More righties in the lineup, like Story, should help mitigate Boston's issues against left-handed pitching. Luckily for the Sox, more righties should be ready to join them in the big leagues in 2025.
Trevor Story since coming off the IL:
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) September 19, 2024
10 Games, 37 PA
.286/.324/.457/.781
2 HR
9 K
1 BB
116 wRC+
4/5 SB
Considering how much time he’s missed, this is all you can ask for right now. It’d be huge for him to finish 2024 strong.
Now up to 2 OAA on the season as well. pic.twitter.com/dIPAJBCCYA
The Red Sox, at the beginning of the season, expected to have two right-handers in the lineup every day in Story and Vaughn Grissom. Injuries originally kept both off the big league roster, but Grissom's bat didn't live up to its hype in Triple-A for quite some time.
In September, Grissom has undergone an offensive turnaround. He's slashing. .340/.508/.553 with three homers and a double in 15 games. His offense has picked up to the level the Red Sox expected before his two hamstring injuries — hopefully, he can carry it through to spring training and earn a spot on the major league roster.
The Red Sox may have all the righty hitters they need for next season already in the system
But even if Grissom doesn't pan out, the Red Sox seem to expect another right-handed second-base prospect to be ready for the big leagues next season. The organization has debated shutting Kristian Campbell down to preserve his health for the offseason.
The 22-year-old infield prospect has been sidelined with lat soreness, but he posted a breakout season worthy of Kieth Law's Prospect of the Year title. He's slashing .330/.439/.558 with a .997 OPS in 115 games over three levels of Boston's minor league system in his second professional campaign.
The Red Sox could also re-sign Tyler O'Neill to add another righty bat to next season's lineup. His 31 homers lead his team and his swing is tailor-made for Fenway Park.
Boston has a number of needs to address this coming offseason. The Red Sox could prioritize pitching additions if they feel they can trust Story, Grissom and Campbell to stay healthy and deliver at the highest level.