Trevor Story’s future with the Boston Red Sox is an offseason question as the organization weighs his place in the infield against the rise of top prospect Franklin Arias.
Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reported on the shortstop situation, with Story’s contract, injury history and Arias’ development all factors in Boston’s decision. A trade is one possibility, but there has been no confirmed announcement that the Red Sox intend to move Story.
Boston finished the 2026 regular season with an 87-75 record, placing third in the American League East behind the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees. The Red Sox reached the postseason but were eliminated by the Yankees in the American League Wild Card Series.
Story appeared in just 64 games during the regular season after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia. He finished with a .235 batting average, a .271 on-base percentage, a .351 slugging percentage and a .621 OPS, along with five home runs and 29 RBIs. His limited availability continued a difficult stretch in Boston that has included several significant injuries.
The 33-year-old signed a six-year, $140 million contract before the 2022 season. His deal runs through 2027, with a team option for 2028, leaving Boston to consider both his remaining salary and his potential role as it plans for next season.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Arias gives the Red Sox another option to consider. The 20-year-old shortstop emerged as the organization’s top prospect after an impressive season split between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester.
Across 117 minor league games, Arias hit .323 with a .400 on-base percentage, a .557 slugging percentage, 25 home runs and 91 RBIs. His .957 OPS strengthened his case as a prospect who could compete for a major league opportunity, although he has yet to establish himself at the big league level.
Boston also has to consider how best to handle Arias’ development. The organization opted not to promote him late in the season, allowing him to continue his offseason preparation within the minor league development system.
The Red Sox now face several possible paths. They could retain Story and give Arias more time to develop, explore a trade involving the veteran shortstop or adjust their infield alignment to accommodate both players. Story’s contract and injury history could make a trade difficult, so a deal should not be treated as inevitable.
