masslive
In the days leading up to Monday's trade deadline, the Red Sox actively explored options to address their shortstop position for the long term. Reports indicated that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow was aggressive in these efforts, but the team ultimately secured its major offensive addition in the form of three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman.
Had Boston acquired a shortstop, it would have signaled a lack of confidence in Trevor Story's future with the club. Story, sidelined since mid-May due to a sports hernia requiring surgery, acknowledged he was aware of the speculation and is glad the Red Sox did not bring in a potential replacement.
"There was speculation, for sure. I saw it," said Story, who has one year remaining on his contract after this season. "But that's the business side of the game. I can't really control that, especially when I'm not playing. It unfolded how it did. Obviously, I'm happy about that and excited to get back in there, be part of this and contribute all I can to this incredible turnaround."
When asked if the rumors bothered him, Story responded, "I see them. I wouldn't say they irritate me, but I keep note, for sure."
Instead of adding a shortstop, the Red Sox acquired Rutschman and backup catcher Jake Rogers from Baltimore, reliever Erik Miller from San Francisco, and outfielder Eli White at the deadline, in addition to getting Curtis Mead from Washington as a second base option earlier.
The shortstop position remains an open question for the final two months of the season. Fill-in Andruw Monasterio will start his 13th consecutive game at the position on Wednesday and has been productive offensively, though his defense has been less consistent. Top prospect Franklin Arias is performing well in his first Triple-A stint, and a late-season promotion is possible. Other stopgap options like Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Tsung-Che Cheng, and Nick Sogard remain in the organization.
Story is pleased that no other player was brought into the mix ahead of his expected return. "I know what we did last year and I know the performance last year is more of who I was," he said, referring to his 2025 season where he started 157 games. "I haven't shown much of that this year, but happy to get that injury behind me and be more so the player I know I can be. I'm happy the way it unfolded and I'm just pumped to be part of this club."
Despite Monasterio's recent hot streak, Story is likely to reclaim the everyday shortstop role when he returns, given his leadership status, steady defense, and offensive potential. That return could come soon, as Story continues to ramp up baseball activities before games at Fenway Park, including hitting, fielding, and running. He remains targeting a return before the end of August and says a rehab assignment could happen within the next two weeks.
Key Analysis
Story's early-season performance did not help his case, as he hit just .206 with three homers, 19 RBIs, a .547 OPS, and a 32.4% strikeout rate in 41 games before undergoing surgery. The Red Sox believe part of those struggles stemmed from playing through pain. Story acknowledged this, saying, "To a certain extent, for sure. There's the competitor in you sometimes, and obviously, that's why we're at this level. That's my best attribute and I feel like I can play at whatever percent. But there comes a certain point where you might be hurting the team. That was a tough one to come to. I felt like I couldn't do the simple things without pain."
Story's imminent return could provide a significant boost to a Red Sox team that has been on a hot streak, with the shortstop position being a key area to solidify for the playoff push.
Originally reported by masslive.