Veteran shortstop Trevor Story will return to the Boston Red Sox for the 2026 season, forgoing an opt-out clause in his contract, according to sources.
Story will play out the final two years and $55 million remaining on his six-year, $140 million deal. Had he voided the contract, the Red Sox would have held a club option for an additional year at $25 million.
The decision follows a significant bounce-back season for Story, who turns 33 next week. After his first three years in Boston were marred by injuries, he became a steady presence in 2025, playing in 157 games. He hit .263/.308/.433 with 25 home runs, 96 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases in 32 attempts. While publicly available metrics ranked his defense among the league’s worst, his offensive production and durability made his potential return to free agency a real possibility.
His return provides crucial stability for a Red Sox team that recently saw third baseman Alex Bregman opt out of his contract. Story will anchor an infield featuring a promising core of young players, including Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell.
A two-time All-Star who spent his first six seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Story now has a career batting line of .265/.329/.490 with 204 home runs and 160 stolen bases over 10 seasons.
He rejoins a Red Sox team with World Series aspirations, navigating a roster in transition. The lineup was fortified by the emergence of rookie outfielder Roman Anthony, particularly after the midseason trade of All-Star Rafael Devers. Boston’s outfield also includes Ceddanne Rafaela, along with Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu, who could be potential trade options this winter.
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