Red Sox: Trevor Story interest opens door for Xander Bogaerts position change

If the Boston Red Sox sign Trevor Story at shortstop, current Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts could move to second or third base to accommodate Story.

Although signings seem out of sight at the moment, teams are making their interest known in the best remaining free agents available.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Boston Red Sox are one of three teams interested in signing free agent shortstop Trevor Story.

Heyman divulged on a Dec. 6 podcast episode that Boston has now entered the chat as a potential team interested in Story.

“Story, I have heard three teams — Seattle, Houston and Boston. So it would be interesting to see with Boston. Obviously he could start out at second base potentially, and we’ll see what goes on from there.”

Based on ESPN MLB writer Joon Lee’s Oct. 25 report on the Red Sox, it seems the Red Sox could accommodate Story after all — if Xander Bogaerts moves off of shortstop, something Bogaerts is apparently open to doing.

Trevor Story could go to Red Sox, moving Xander Bogaerts to second base

According to Lee, the three-time All-Star shortstop is “open to moving to second or third base down the road.”

While sources close to Bogaerts indicate he is interested in opting out of his remaining contract in 2022, the 29-year-old shortstop “hopes to remain in Boston and finish his career with the Red Sox.”

With a willingness to change positions and a desire to stay in Boston, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for the Red Sox to put Story at shortstop while keeping Bogaerts on at second.

While Bogaerts is one of Boston’s top offensive performers,  he has -55 defensive runs saved in his career at shortstop. Story, on the other hand, posted nine defensive runs saved in the 2021 season.

If the Red Sox do sign Story, it would be a dangerous combination on offense and defense for the two talented infielders.