The left side of the Boston Red Sox's infield could be dangerously empty when free agency opens in just a few weeks, as both Alex Bregman and Trevor Story have the right to opt out of their contracts. Bregman's impending opt out has already been confirmed, but Story hasn't made his choice public yet.
Bregman and the Red Sox have expressed mutual interest in a reunion, but if another club beats Boston's price, the third baseman could be gone in a flash. Story could opt out to take to the open market as one of the better shortstop options in a rather underwhelming free agent class, but the Red Sox can void his opt out and tack on an additional year to the end of his contract. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reports that the Red Sox may not be put in such a position.
"As of mid-September, Red Sox decision-makers expected Story, who has two years and $55 million left on his contract, to opt in," Cotillo wrote. "There’s a chance he’d make more than that on the open market but there’s also a feeling that he feels loyalty — and appreciation — toward the Red Sox after missing most of the first three years of the deal."
Story posted a full, healthy season with the Sox for the first time in 2025. He showed how valuable he can be to the club in the future, and the news of his likely return is, finally, exciting. Story batted .263/.308/.433 and led the Red Sox with 25 home runs. He was one of the two Red Sox players to hit more than 20 homers this season and served as one of the only veteran position players in the clubhouse.
Red Sox insider says team expects Trevor Story to opt in to his contract with Boston, keeping strength and experience in the middle infield
The first three years of Story's contract with Boston didn't go to plan, and before 2025, it was hard to imagine Red Sox fans looking forward to him opting into the deal. The veteran posted just 163 games across the first three years of the deal due to multiple long-term injuries, and when he could play he only slashed .232/.296/.397.
If Story were to surprise the Red Sox and opt out of his contract, they could turn to the free agent market to pursue a potential replacement. This year's class isn't that impressive, though, with Bo Bichette being the best available option. Boston could also replace him internally with Marcelo Mayer or another of its young middle infielders, but if Bregman also signs elsewhere, the left side of their infield would be young and inexperienced, a severe regression from Bregman and Story's 2025 showing.
Besides his horrendous offensive showing in May, Story was one of Boston's best players and his power played a significant part in returning it to the playoffs. Finally, the news that Story is expected to play for the Red Sox next season is worthy of excitement.