The Boston Red Sox are finally reaping the rewards of their $140 million investment that once looked shaky. Acquired back in 2022 on a six-year deal, the shortstop has the ability to opt out after this year. Not to forget, Alex Bregman is also expected to hit the open market. If that happens for real, he’ll naturally become one of the most coveted third basemen in MLB free agency. However, if Boston’s $140 million shortstop Trevor Story is eyeing an opt-out, it’s going to be a big mistake.

With the remainder of his contract, Story is owed $55 million for the next two seasons. Given how the shortstop market is limited in free agency, Story is probably not going to get any better deal than he already has at the moment.

Ironically, right until this season, Trevor Story’s contract was a mess. Now, he’s finally amidst an injury-free season and is playing to his potential. He’s currently hitting. 259 batting average, 23 home runs, 88 RBIs,24 doubles, 137 hits, and 30 walks in 566 plate appearances.

Adding to his dominance, he’s leading the Red Sox in stolen bases. Story is at an incredible 25-for-25 in that category. In fact, he’s also stacked up 158 strikeouts, leading the team in that category as well. Not to forget, he has also been established as a locker room leader alongside Jarren Duran and Alex Bregman. Except for his numbers, his energy and passion have become essential for the club.

Looking from an analytics standpoint, too, Trevor Story is only walking at a 5.3% rate, and his HR% is the highest it’s been in a 60-game span since the turn of the decade at 4.1%. His hard-hit ball rate is the highest it’s been since 2019 at 47.4%.

What will happen if Story remains with the Red Sox and Bregman leaves?

This November, Story will turn 33, and so far this season has turned out to be pretty good for him since arriving in Boston back in 2022. As of this Friday, he held a .742 OPS along with 23 home runs and 88 RBI. It proved that when he’s healthy, he’s simply elite. Now, interestingly, the Red Sox’ infield will look way too different after this season.

The thing is, Story is likely to stay with the Red Sox, given the $55 million left on his contract. If that happens and Bregman hits the free agency market, the team has a solution for their infield heading into 2026. Apparently, the Red Sox’s top prospect Marcelo Mayer gained valuable experience while filling in at third base during Bregman’s injury absence earlier this season. Naturally, he would become perfect to replace the veteran All-Star.

However, just in case both Story and Bregman stay, it’ll be different. Mayer and Kristian Campbell are already set for bigger roles. Campbell, particularly, is viewed as a strong candidate to take over second base on Opening Day next year.

However, if third and shortstop remain locked down by Bregman and Story, the younger phenoms might have to do a platoon system at second or shuffle into other positions. That’s the catch.

Moreover, there’s also a high probability of Ceddanne Rafaela moving in from center field to cover the infield. Although his defensive value is strongest in the outfield. Yet, his versatile skill gives the Red Sox at least some flexibility as they plan for 2026.