Trevor Story contract: What this means for Xander Bogaerts

The Boston Red Sox added a powerful bat to their infield, signing infielder Trevor Story to a six-year contract and perhaps asking him to switch positions.

Story was the last, best remaining shortstop on the free agent market once Carlos Correa signed, making it an easy decision for Boston to sign him and keep him out of enemy territory.

While Story was mentioned as a potential fit for the Yankees after missing out on Correa, that was never really deemed a realistic possibility given Hal Steinbrenner’s unwillingness to spend the kind of money it would take to land a talent of his caliber.

So instead, Story took his talents to Boston. The Red Sox signed the 29-year-old to a six-year contract on Sunday morning.

Trevor Story contract details

Story brings with him the same concerns of any player who played his entire career thus far at Coors Field. Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki were all impacted by the Coors Field effect, at least partially, once they left Denver. They remained solid hitters, but their power output decreased.

Trevor Story gold glove

Story has yet to win a Gold Glove, and at this point he’d only be a marginal defensive upgrade over Bogaerts, who is trending towards a position change down the road.

No one with the Red Sox has approached Bogaerts about switching off of shortstop, and he doesn’t sound open to the change at the moment.

Red Sox: What does this mean for Xander Bogaerts?

Story, meanwhile, it open to a position change in Boston, especially at that price tag. The $140 million deal gives him the kind of contractual flexibility required to play either second or third base while the Red Sox figure out what they’re doing with Bogaerts long-term.

Bogaerts deal has an opt-out after the 2023 season, so he could very well force Boston’s hand and become a free agent. At that point, with Story in hand, who knows what Chaim Bloom might do?