Trevor Story hypes up Red Sox as critics, negativity continue to engulf Boston

It's no secret that the Red Sox have been struggling to get people to believe in their ability to compete after a lackluster 2023 campaign and disappointing offseason.

Rafael Devers hasn't been shy about letting ownership know his disappointment with how the offseason went and manager Alex Cora has come out in support of Devers for his statements.

This has led to many fans being skeptical of 2024 being different from the recent rebuilding years as the team has done little to address its need for quality starting pitching. However, the Red Sox roster doesn't seem to carry the same sentiments.

In an interview with MassLive's Chris Cotillo, Boston's shortstop Trevor Story revealed that he feels like the Sox have a chip on their shoulder and something to prove.

“We have a very talented group and I think that gets overlooked a little bit,” Story said.

"It has to be our identity if we want to be good because if we're sitting here believing all the stuff that's being said about us, why even go out there and play?"

He's right. For the most part, Boston does have a talented roster but things just haven't gone its way in recent years. Missing out on nearly every free agent it targeted this offseason hasn't left fans jonesing to buy tickets to games.

Trevor Story believes the Red Sox can rise above the expectations set by another disappointing offseason

But Story mentions that the Red Sox have made additions that aren't player-related, like new pitching coach Andrew Bailey — there isn't just one avenue the organization needs to follow to make the team better.

While the offseason hasn't been as exciting and fruitful as fans would have preferred, it's nice to hear Story say that the team doesn't feel the same. On paper, it looks like the Red Sox are doomed to another last-place finish. But it doesn't matter what the paper says. At the end of the day, it matters what they do on the field, and the Sox have made a few offseason signings to get them to a competitive place.

Boston's notable on-field offseason acquisitions include outfielder Tyler O’Neill, infielder Vaughn Grissom, and right-hander Lucas Giolito. All three players have talent and the potential to make a difference for the BoSox.

Jordan Montgomery has long been tied to the Red Sox and with Scott Boras recently overplaying his hand, his clients are having to take deals lower than what they originally expected to receive. There's still a chance Boston could add him to the rotation and give a bit more hope to fans. But for now, Story and the Red Sox are working with what they've got.

Story joined the Red Sox on a six-year, $140 million deal before the 2022 season. This came after six great seasons with the Rockies. Story has been an underwhelming addition to Boston for the most part, as he just hasn't been able to stay healthy. He missed the majority of 2023 after recovering from elbow surgery and didn't appear until August. Over the 43 games he played, he slashed .203/.250/.316 with three home runs, 14 RBI, and a .566 OPS. He hasn't contributed to the team like fans hoped he would.

Hopefully, this year will be different and Story will remain healthy and return to form. Maybe his "don't doubt us" mentality will allow him and the Red Sox to find the edge they've been looking for.

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