Trevor Story injury makes Red Sox missing on Carlos Correa even worse

The Boston Red Sox will be without Trevor Story to start the regular season, as the star infielder will undergo Tommy John surgery.

Trevor Story will be out for a solid chunk of the 2023 season as he undergoes Tommy John surgery. Without him, it’s unclear where the Red Sox will turn.

Boston lost Xander Bogaerts this offseason as well, with many pundits assuming Story — a former shortstop himself with the Rockies — would take over. Now, that appears less certain.

Story was reportedly aware that he needed Tommy John surgery for the majority of the offseason, but was hoping to avoid the invasive treatment with rest. That, unfortunately, did not work out well for he or Boston.

Boston Red Sox should’ve pursued Carlos Correa

It’s unclear just how interested Boston was in Carlos Correa, but considering the Twins seem suited to sign him for a six-year contract with mutual options for future seasons, the Red Sox could’ve afforded the 2017 World Series champion.

Correa on the Boston infield would’ve solved the looming problem with Story quite well. However, it’s unclear just how much the organization knew of Story’s injury prior to Correa signing.

As for Correa, his deal with the Twins will be approved once he passes a physical. That remains a big if considering his previous short stints in New York and San Francisco, but changing paths now to sign with Boston would be the nuclear option.

Who can the Red Sox acquire to replace Trevor Story?

There are still some options for Boston on the trade market, should they wish.

Joey Wendle of the Miami Marlins makes some sense. Wendle made the All-Star team in 2021 with the Tampa Bay Rays, but took a step back with Miami last season and should be relatively affordable.

Ha-seong Kim is an elite defensive shortstop for the Padres, and they’ve shopped him recently after signing Bogaerts at the Winter Meetings.