Trevor Story rumors: Where things stand if lockout finally ends

Trevor Story remains one of the top shortstop free agents available this offseason. Where will he land once the lockout finally ends?

After a six-year career spent with the Colorado Rockies, Trevor Story hit the free-agent market in November after declining the Rockies’ $18.4 million qualifying offer. Story hit .272/.340/.523 with +112 wRC. The career 21.6 WAR player hit 158 homers with the Rockies.

Where could Trevor Story ultimately land?

At one time it was rumored Story could join friend and former teammate Nolan Arenado and sign with the St. Louis Cardinals. Those rumors have trailed off with Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak suggesting he feels the team still has a good thing in their current shortstop, Paul DeJong.

After a string of health issues, DeJong has struggled at the plate and fielding the position. DeJong is in the midst of a six-year $26 million contract that ends in 2023 and includes club options for 2024 and 2025.

The team definitely wants to give their in-house, low-cost option a shot before dropping him for a more costly option. DeJong was an All-Star in 2019 and in his four years with the Cardinals has hit .242/.312/.443 with a +102 wRC. He’s hit 96 homers in that time. DeJong is still a good option for the Cardinals.

It was rumored the Seattle Mariners may have had a desire to sign Story but as a third baseman. Story does want to sign with a team that will keep him as a shortstop.

He could also land with another former teammate, D.J. LeMahieu, with the New York Yankees. But, the Yankees may be looking more for a “stopgap” option as they have prospects they are looking to for the future.

The Houston Astros may end up being a great fit considering the top free-agent prize, and former Astro, Carlos Correa is wanting a multi-year contract worth around $350 million. The Astros would be better able to fix more needs by turning away Correa and his demands. They would be able to sign Story long term as their shortstop and still address needs at pitcher and outfield.

Here’s hoping we get some good news soon regarding the MLB lockout ending with a new collective bargaining agreement. Story should be one of the first in a frenzy of signings post-lockout.