Alex Bregman's near certain contract opt out has been one of the biggest topics of the Boston Red Sox's young offseason so far. But there's another potential opt out on the table that could change the look of Boston's infield.
Trevor Story has the right to opt out of his Red Sox contract this offseason, if he so chooses. If Story sticks with Boston, he'll have two years at $55 million remaining on his contract. If Story opts out, the Red Sox can void it and activate a club option for 2028.
The shortstop didn't confirm his plans to reporters after Boston's October 2 playoff elimination at the hands of the Yankees. He did offer a quote that could foreshadow his choice, however.
“It’s not at the top of mind. I’m not gonna speak on that right now,” he said when asked about his opt out. “But I came here to be here for a long time.”
Story could want to stick with the Sox after posting just 163 games in his first three seasons with the club. He could also have trouble finding another team to match his contract value with Boston — his recent injury-proneness could drive teams away, and his severe defensive regression (third percentile, -9 outs above average) could drastically lower his price.
The Red Sox have a few backup options at shortstop if Trevor Story opts out of his contract this offseason
Story could still decide to take to the market to pursue another contract elsewhere after his comeback season, which would leave the Red Sox in quite a pickle, especially if Bregman opts out and doesn't re-sign with them. Bregman is more likely to depart in free agency, and unless they sign or trade for additional third base help, Boston would have to move Marcelo Mayer or another infielder over to third base full time.
The Red Sox have numerous middle infielders in their system, including Mayer, Vaughn Grissom, David Hamilton, Mikey Romero and Kristian Campbell. Their current No. 1 prospect, Franklin Arias, is also a shortstop, but he's still a ways from MLB-readiness, with MLB Pipeline predicting a 2027 debut.
After Story returned to his best offensive self in 2025, there are downsides to the rest of the Red Sox's backup options. Grissom hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2024 and he struggled at the plate, Hamilton had a rough offensive season despite defensive improvements, Romero would be a rookie and Campbell's infield defense was disastrous in 2025. Mayer is the best case scenario at shortstop in Story's absence, but he's also the best choice for third base if Bregman departs.
This year's class of free agent shortstops is rather underwhelming, with Bo Bichette being the top available talent. Story would be possibly the second-best available shortstop if he opts out, but he is far less likely to do so than Bregman based on his own comments.