Trevor Story didn’t waste any time making it clear-he’s staying in Boston. According to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, the veteran shortstop had already made up his mind before the dust even settled on the team’s postseason exit.
Just minutes after the final out of their Wild Card loss to the Yankees, Story walked into Cora’s office and delivered his decision with conviction: “I’m in. I ain’t going nowhere.”
That kind of clarity-and confidence-says a lot about where Story stands, both mentally and physically, heading into the 2026 season. His opt-in, first reported back in early November, locks him into the Red Sox lineup through at least 2027. He’s set to earn $25 million in each of the next two seasons, with free agency waiting on the other side.
For Boston, this is more than just a contract decision-it’s a statement of intent. Story’s first few years in a Red Sox uniform were marred by injuries and inconsistency.
From 2022 through 2024, he managed just 163 games combined. But in 2025, he flipped the script in a big way, playing in 157 games-the most he’s logged in a single season-and reminding everyone why Boston made the long-term commitment in the first place.
And he didn’t just stay on the field-he led the team across the board. Story paced the Red Sox in home runs (25), RBIs (96), stolen bases (31), runs scored (91), and hits (161).
That’s not just production-that’s cornerstone-level performance. For a Red Sox team trying to re-establish itself as a contender in the American League, having a healthy, locked-in Trevor Story in the middle of the lineup is a massive boost.
At 33, Story is no longer the young slugger who burst onto the scene in Colorado, but he’s evolved. He’s become a more complete player, a clubhouse leader, and someone the Red Sox clearly believe can anchor their infield and their offense. With his glove, his speed, and his power, Story remains one of the more dynamic shortstops in the game when he’s right-and 2025 showed he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Looking ahead to 2026, expect Story to continue hitting in the heart of Boston’s order. If he can replicate last season’s production and stay healthy, he could be a driving force in whatever success the Red Sox hope to achieve. And judging by his quick decision to opt in, he’s not just along for the ride-he’s ready to lead it.