Trevor Story hasn't spent an excess of time on the field with the Boston Red Sox since his tenure with the team began three seasons ago.
He hasn't had much time to prove himself in game action, but he's been lauded as a key leader in the clubhouse by manager Alex Cora and his fellow Red Sox players. Recent comments from Story about his offseason expectations will excite Boston fans clamoring for change.
“We’re the Boston Red Sox. I think that is what you expect. We’d love to see that be the case. Hopefully, now that we have a pretty solid core of young guys, it’s a perfect opportunity to add," he said to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.
Story is the latest player to speak out in a way that might hold Red Sox ownership accountable this offseason. The Sox expect four of their top prospects — Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, Kyle Teel, Kristian Campbell — to be MLB-ready in 2025, possibly as early as Opening Day. The front office promised additions when that wave of talent reaches the big leagues, and Red Sox fans expect action now that they're a few months away.
Clubhouse leader Trevor Story speaks out about Red Sox's need to add this offseason
The Red Sox have meandered for six years through a slow-motion rebuild during which, by their own standards, they’ve been a failure. They say they’re on the other side of it and ready to compete for the division. What should that mean? https://t.co/NUxISVIa16 via @BostonGlobe
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) October 2, 2024
Story's right — it is a perfect time for Boston to add. The Red Sox's top prospects are all in their early 20s and they'll need to adjust to the big leagues before they can have a palpable, positive impact on the game. The Sox are one of the youngest teams in the league and they're only primed to get younger if ownership doesn't bring in more experienced players for their younger guys to learn and grow with.
Rafael Devers spoke out about Boston's needs at spring training 2024 and Cora defended him. More Red Sox are coming out and calling for action from the front office, and it's a good thing for their teammates and Red Sox fans. They shouldn't have to ask for management to do their jobs, but maybe if the call comes from inside the house, additions will come.
Missing the playoffs five out of six years is unacceptable for the Boston Red Sox. It would be in ownership's best interest to take its players' advice.