Trevor Story's tenure in Boston has been marred by inconsistency, as he's played just 163 games in three seasons due to persistent injuries. Not only that, but in those 163 games, he's been far from the player the Red Sox signed to a six-year, $140 million contract back in 2022. He's only managed a .693 OPS in righty hitter-friendly Fenway Park, and his OBP is below .300.
That being said, Story seems like a bargain when comparing him to the Tigers' Javier Báez. Likewise a member of the 2022 free agent class, Báez signed with Detroit for the exact same contract that Story got in Boston. He's played more than twice as many games as Story, but he's been an even bigger disappointment.
In Detroit, Báez has slashed just .221/.262/.347, and those numbers have only declined year after year, as he had an abysmal .516 OPS in 2024. Not only that, but his defense, which remained solid in his first two years in Detroit, took a major step back in 2024.
Trevor Story's three years with Red Sox have been tumultuous, but at least he's not Javy Báez
It sounds like Tiger fans know they got fleeced. Báez missed the second half of last season after undergoing surgery on his right hip. After a recent update that he would be ready for Opening Day, let's just say Detroit wasn't exactly thrilled. Even if he does return, the Tigers are planning on platooning him at short with rookie Trey Sweeney. Not exactly what you want from a guy making over $23 million a year.
Yes, the Red Sox have lost out on the Story contract, and yes, the front office would love to unload him at the first opportunity. But Sox fans aren't happy when Story is injured or upset when he's schedule to come back from injury.
If anything, Story's lack of playing time has been the number one criticism of him during his time in Boston. There are still hopes he can come back this year and contribute to a new (and hopefully improved) Sox team. So, before Red Sox fans complain about Trevor Story, maybe it's worth remembering that it could always be worse.