The Boston Red Sox reportedly signed one of the best shortstops on the free-agent market in Trevor Story, but he'll have to learn a new position in 2022.
Manager Alex Cora confirmed Sunday the team will stick with Xander Bogaerts at shortstop despite the addition of Story. In addition, Rafael Devers will remain at third base, meaning Story almost certainly will be Boston's starting second baseman this season.
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SIGN UP HERE Before the Story signing, Bogaerts made it clear he has no interest in changing positions.
"Bro. I'm a shortstop, man," he said on Tuesday. "That's where I've played my whole career. Obviously it's a position I take a lot of pride in. If you look at my numbers, they've been pretty good for these years. I like being there. That's it."
Tomase: Trevor Story signing means an end to Tampa North
Bogaerts is locked in as the Red Sox' shortstop for this season, but his long-term future is very much up in the air. The 29-year-old can opt out of his contract and enter free agency after the 2022 campaign. Story, signed to a six-year deal worth $140 million, gives Boston the necessary insurance at the position should Bogaerts decide to sign elsewhere.
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Story hasn't played second base at the major league level, but that doesn't worry Red Sox utility man Kiké Hernandez.
“It might be a little different at first. I’ve always said that if you can play shortstop, you can play anywhere," Hernandez said, per MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. "I’ve seen him play enough to know that he’s incredibly athletic, he’s gifted on that side, so I don’t doubt one bit that he’s going to be able to transition smoothly to second base.”
Defensive question marks aside, Story is a major addition to Boston's lineup. The two-time All-Star hit .272 with 158 homers, 250 RBI and a .863 OPS during his six-year tenure with the Colorado Rockies.
