Trevor Story ready to fill Red Sox leadership void after staying in Boston

Trevor Story has chosen to remain with the Boston Red Sox and says he will take on a larger leadership role while building on a healthy 2025 season.

Trevor Story has decided to remain with the Boston Red Sox rather than opt out of his contract and is entering the fifth season of a six-year deal. He completed a full 157-game season in 2025 and is aiming to build on a late-season surge and postseason experience. Story said he feels there is another level to reach and has been working in the offseason to avoid late-season fatigue. With the team not re-signing Alex Bregman and Rob Refsnyder, Story's leadership role on the roster has expanded. Key details: - Story told manager Alex Cora after the wild-card series loss that he intended to stay in Boston and not exercise his opt-out. - In 157 games last season Story hit .263 with a .741 OPS, 25 homers, 29 doubles and 31 stolen bases. - He produced a strong stretch after June 1, hitting .289 with an .827 OPS over his final 101 games and finishing as a key offensive contributor. - The Red Sox entered spring with a new-look infield that includes Willson Contreras at first and Caleb Durbin and Marcelo Mayer working at second and third, increasing Story's leadership responsibilities. - Pitcher Eduardo Sandoval faced hitters in live batting practice for the first time since Tommy John surgery and is scheduled for re-evaluation Saturday before further bullpen work. - The club's final rotation spot remains open, with Sandoval, Kutter Crawford and Johan Oviedo among the candidates competing for roles. Summary: Story's decision to stay gives the Red Sox a veteran shortstop expected to be a primary voice as the club sorts infield alignments during spring training. Pitching roles and Sandoval's recovery will be monitored in the coming days as the team evaluates options and finalizes roster assignments.