The Boston Red Sox are no longer weighing possibilities when it comes to their infield alignment. As preparations begin for the 2026 season, the organization has delivered a clear and unified stance: Trevor Story is staying at shortstop.
Any remaining uncertainty vanished once Story exercised his option for the final two years and $50 million left on his contract. That decision forced Boston to resolve the infield questions that lingered throughout the offseason. According to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, the club has no plans to move Story off shortstop, even as top prospect Marcelo Mayer continues to push toward a full-time major league role.
This decision is rooted in intention, not convenience. The Red Sox are prioritizing continuity over conjecture, and leadership over constant positional shuffling.
Why the Red Sox Are Standing Firm on Story
Story delivered exactly what Boston hoped for during the 2025 campaign. He batted .263 with 25 home runs and 96 RBIs, offering steady middle-of-the-order production while anchoring a lineup that leaned heavily on veteran presence. Some late-season defensive struggles prompted outside speculation about a potential position change.
Internally, those concerns never gained momentum. Team evaluators attributed Story’s defensive issues to fatigue rather than erosion of skill. He completed his first full season since 2021, logging a workload his body had not handled in years. From the organization’s perspective, the late dip reflected wear and tear—not decline.
That belief shapes their outlook for 2026. With a full offseason to recover, the Red Sox expect Story to regain his defensive sharpness. Moving him off shortstop would only introduce disruption without solving the core issue.
Equally important is Story’s role off the field. Following the departures of Alex Bregman and Rob Refsnyder, Boston now views him as the clubhouse’s central veteran voice. He establishes expectations, enforces accountability, and provides stability for a roster that remains relatively young. That leadership carries as much weight as any statistical evaluation.
From the club’s viewpoint, relocating that presence away from shortstop would undermine continuity. Story embodies it, and the Red Sox intend to keep it intact.
Boston’s Vision for Marcelo Mayer
Alongside its commitment to Story, Boston has crafted a thoughtful plan for Mayer’s development. McCaffrey reported that internal preference leans toward playing Mayer at third base rather than second, provided the team does not add an external option at the position.
That choice underscores how highly the Red Sox regard Mayer’s defensive abilities. They see him as a long-term left-side infielder, not a stopgap or compromise. Keeping him at third base allows him to remain on the left side of the diamond while developing without the pressure of replacing a veteran leader.
The timeline aligns naturally. Story is under contract through 2027, allowing Mayer to grow at his own pace. When Story’s deal expires, the path becomes clear—Mayer can transition smoothly to shortstop without forcing development or creating positional turbulence.
This strategy mirrors the broader approach guiding Boston’s offseason. The Red Sox have emphasized patience, internal progression, and long-term planning rather than reacting to outside chatter. Instead of rushing decisions, they’ve built a structure that balances leadership, player growth, and positional value.
For now, the message is crystal clear. Boston knows who its shortstop is—and has every reason to stand by that decision.