USA Today first reported the deal and multiple outlets confirmed it. It gives the Red Sox a long term answer at second base, which has been in flux ever since Dustin Pedroia, former AL MVP, was injured in 2017. The deal also leaves Xander Bogaerts at shortstop. If Bogaerts decides to leave his contract, the team has a backup plan for the left side.
Story, 29 years old, batted.251 for the Rockies with 24 homers, 75 RBIs, and was awarded the NL MVP vote. This off-year came after three consecutive years of winning NL MVP votes.
“He’s big bat. We already know his defensive abilities. Bogaerts stated last week that he believes that the bat would be a great fit for Fenway, despite having a small porch.
Bogaerts stated, “It would have been nice if we could get an additional like that after some big names that were lost to free agency/traded away.” He’s a big boy. This is a huge bat. This is an impact player.
Story could be moved to second base, and Kike Hernandez can move into center field. Christian Arroyo will then become a utility batter off the bench.
The news of the deal was received at the Red Sox spring-training complex even before it was officially announced.
MLB.com pitcher Nate Eovaldi stated that “it sparks the team.” “We know they want to win, but to add another large piece to the organisation like that would be enormous,” said Nate Eovaldi.
