GM Meetings: Red Sox leave Trevor Story's future uncertain, explore trade possibilities

The Red Sox are navigating the offseason as if it's business as usual. The approach makes sense, but it'll be anything but business as usual on Dec. 1, when owners are expected to lockout the players. 

Until then, Boston's front office is in Las Vegas for the GM Meetings, where Craig Breslow is facing questions about the club's direction heading into 2027.

Unlike last offseason, when Breslow publicly committed to Trevor Story as his everyday shortstop, the Red Sox' front office leader was noticeably evasive when asked who would start at the position next season.

“We know what Trevor is capable of doing when he’s healthy and performing, this year was disrupted for a number of reasons, injury, some struggles at times,” Breslow said. “I think we’re always evaluating these things and we still have a ton of confidence in Trevor, but any decisions like that are going to take place between me and Trevor far before I speak to anything publicly.”

Story is entering the final year of the six-year, $140 million contract he signed following the last lockout in March 2022.

His tenure in Boston has been defined as much by injuries as his performance on the field. That continued in 2026, when a sports hernia limited him to just 64 games.

Although Story finished the season strong, he batted just .235 with five home runs and a .621 OPS. According to Spotrac, he'll count for $23.3 million against the luxury tax in 2027.

“We’ve got Trevor, we have a bunch of guys that stepped in when Trevor was hurt, whether that’s Mona, Sogie is capable of playing shortstop, obviously Franklin, and figuring out his readiness and figuring out that timeline,” Breslow said, referring to Andruw Monasterio, Nick Sogard and top prospect Franklin Arias. “I think at this point we have to be open-minded about ways to improve the team, but beyond that I’m not going to speak to any individual’s status without having conversations internally first.”

The Red Sox have Arias waiting in the wings, although the organization remains noncommittal about his immediate future.

The 20-year-old finished the season as Baseball America's No. 2-ranked prospect in baseball following a dominant campaign in which he hit .323 with 25 home runs and a .957 OPS across 117 games between Double-A and Triple-A.

If Boston wants to add Arias to its 40-man roster, another move would be necessary to create an opening. However, keeping him off the 40-man roster could provide the organization with some flexibility during a potential lockout.

Because Arias isn't currently on the 40-man roster, he wouldn't be subject to the same restrictions as major league players. He could continue working with club officials and report to minor league spring training on schedule, even if major league camp is shut down.

He would also be eligible to play for Triple-A Worcester during a lockout, allowing the Red Sox to evaluate his development before making a decision about his major league future once play resumes.

For now, Boston isn't ready to say whether Arias will compete for the starting shortstop job.

“Premature, all the conversations we’ve had with and about Franklin at this point are targeted on how we make the most of this offseason for him,” Breslow said. “Getting bigger and stronger, continuing to push him on both sides of the ball, base running as well, so that’s what our focus is and we’ll figure out the rest down the road.”

Some gamesmanship from Breslow should be expected here.

The Red Sox have little reason to reveal their plans for Arias, particularly if they're considering including him in a potential blockbuster trade.

Keeping him off the 40-man roster could also make him more attractive to an acquiring club, which would retain additional roster flexibility.

Boston could explore finding a trade partner for Story, although doing so would likely require the Sox to absorb some of his remaining salary or attach prospects to facilitate a deal.

With only one year remaining on his contract, that could be a more palatable option for Breslow and the organization.

It's also worth remembering that Breslow and Story experienced some friction earlier this season following the dismissal of Alex Cora and five members of his coaching staff.

Story was reportedly unhappy with the decision to fire Cora and his coaches in April, leading to a conversation between the veteran shortstop and Breslow.

Story has 10-and-5 rights, giving him the ability to veto a trade. However, with only one season remaining on his deal and his previous displeasure over Cora's dismissal, perhaps he'd be willing to approve a move elsewhere.

Story is from Texas, and the Rangers could be an interesting possibility, although they're also looking to shed payroll.

Texas has its own expensive shortstop in Corey Seager, whose name has surfaced in trade discussions.

Seager doesn't necessarily profile as an attractive trade target. He'll turn 33 in April and is owed $155 million over the next five seasons.

Like Story, Seager has struggled to stay healthy, which is one of the reasons Texas is reportedly exploring its options with the veteran shortstop.

Seager also has 10-and-5 rights, meaning he would have significant control over any potential trade.

Boston has expressed interest in Seager in the past, and the Red Sox could certainly use another middle-of-the-order bat.

Still, I'm not convinced gambling on Seager would be the right move. He's another talented but frequently injured player, and unlike Story, he comes with a much longer financial commitment.

The Rangers could also consider moving Jacob deGrom, who is owed $37 million.

With the possibility of a shortened season looming, that salary could become more manageable for a pitcher of deGrom's caliber, particularly with free agency approaching after next season.

If the Red Sox are interested in one of Texas' available players, Jarren Duran could be a potential trade chip.

Duran's name has reportedly come up in conversations around the league during the GM Meetings, and the Rangers could have a need in their outfield.

Texas center fielder Evan Carter underwent right hip surgery and is expected to miss the beginning of the regular season.

With Wyatt Langford and Brandon Nimmo already penciled into the outfield, Duran could provide another option in one of the corner spots.

A deal could give Duran a fresh start while allowing Boston to acquire a player who fills a need on its 26-man roster.

The Sox have also expressed interest in Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, according to The Boston Globe.