Let's Set Odds: Where Will Trevor Story Play Next?

Trevor Story is now a free agent, and he is an intriguing case. 

As with every player that leaves the Colorado Rockies, every franchise will wonder if a player’s production will fall off after leaving the offense-friendly confines of Coors Field.

Over the course of his career, Story has batted .303 at Coors Field, but just .241 on the road. In 375 games at home, Story hit 95 home runs compared to just 63 home runs in 370 games on the road. A drop off is to be expected, but some players, such as Matt Holliday, DJ LeMahieu, and Nolan Arenado, have done just fine while donning a different uniform. 

It doesn’t help Story’s case entering free agency on his worst offensive season, but with an incredibly high ceiling, the shortstop will demand a hefty contract from any franchise.

WynnBET Sportsbook doesn’t have odds listed for Story’s next destination, so let’s set odds for where the two-time All-Star shortstop will play in 2022.

Houston Astros (+200)

Chances are that shortstop Carlos Correa will not be wearing an Astros jersey on Opening Day. Demanding a contract in the neighborhood of $300 Million could price Houston out of retaining their former franchise shortstop. 

For the Astros to remain competitive in the AL West, they could sign Texas-native Trevor Story. Story’s next contract will not exceed $150 MIllion, so if Houston is willing to make an annual $25 Million commitment to Story, that could be enough to get the deal done.

Minute Maid Park is a friendly park to right-handed hitters like Story, so the drop off from Coors Field might not be as drastic. 

Placing Story in a lineup with Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Yordan Alvarez could offer him lineup protection that was non-existent in the Rockies young batting order.

Texas Rangers (+450)

Let’s stay in Texas.

The Rangers have a lot of open space in their payroll and could make plenty of moves this offseason to climb back into the conversation in the AL West. Picking up a slugging shortstop like Story would certainly help. 

Isiah Kiner-Falefa did alright as the Rangers primary shortstop in 2021, but is better suited for a utility role that bounces him around the diamond. The Ranges need a better everyday player up the middle, and another bigger bat in the lineup. 

Texas will be a player in the free agent market this offseason and Story fits the bill.

Philadelphia Phillies (+750)

Citizens Bank Park is another decent park for right-handed hitters, and the Phillies could use an upgrade at shortstop in 2022.

Story would fit in nicely with a Phillies lineup that already has Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, and J.T. Realmuto. 

The double-play combination of Story and Jean Segura would be a strong tandem up the middle, and the extra punch of offense could be just what the Phillies need to get over the hump in the NL East. 

St. Louis Cardinals (+1000)

The Cardinals crept into the postseason, making an appearance in the NL Wild Card game, but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

If St. Louis wants to avoid the dreaded one-game play-in of the Wild Card, they can just win the NL Central. One way to do that is bringing in Trevor Story. 

Story would give the Cardinals a former-Rockies left side of the infield with Arenado manning the hot corner, but would be an upgrade to shortstop Paul DeJong. DeJong batted just .197 last season, so any drop off on production from Story, probably wouldn’t be too alarming. 

Story gives the Cardinals a little boost in the lineup and it would separate them from the weak NL Central.

Detroit Tigers (+1500)

The Tigers are looking to make a jump in the American League after their surprisingly competitive 2021. Trevor Story would fill Detroit’s shortstop hole, which has been filled by a collection of subpar players, and he’d be a decent veteran presence for the rebuilding club.

Miguel Cabrera has plans to retire after the 2023 season, so the 29-year old Story would be the veteran anchor of the Tigers’ future. 

Detroit could be in on the Carlos Correa sweepstakes, but if they fall short in acquiring Correa and his expected blockbuster contract, the Tigers should make a move on Story. They can’t wait around forever, and if club owner Christopher Illitch is anything like his late father, Detroit will spend to put a competitive team on the field for their fanbase.