How Should the 2026 Red Sox Address Their 33-Year-Old Shortstop's Strikeout Problem?
Metaphors are running low to describe the disappointing Red Sox season. It’s been an uphill battle; it’s been Sisyphean; it’s Groundhog Day-esque. Does anyone have any other suggestions to explain the repetitive disappointment? Well, whatever that new turn of phrase turns out to be, it’s a sentiment that’s affecting Trevor Story an awful lot. The veteran shortstop, who in 2025 had his best year in a Boston uniform, has struggled at the plate all of 2026. His performance has left many wondering if the nine-time World Series Champions should be doing something more drastic about the position.
Through 38 games, Story is hitting just .200 with a slugging percentage of .284. The former Rockie has also struck out 55 times, which places him fourth among American League hitters. Adding insult to injury, the three hitters above him have at least shown some power, clobbering home runs along with their strikeouts, but Story has a mere two dingers. This is fitting for a team still trying to overcome the power problem that has followed the Red Sox lineup throughout 2026. May 10th against the Rays was a fitting encapsulation of the yearlong woes, as the man they call TS10 fanned three times in a Mother’s Day loss at Fenway Park. The lineup around him managed just one run.
The trouble, ironically, is that all hope is not lost for the shortstop or his Boston squad. TS10, though over a decade in the big leagues, has demonstrated incredible talent that is worth the slumps. On the other side of the equation, the Beantown boys are still, impossibly, just two games back from a Wild Card slot. With a few shakeups, turning the corner is absolutely possible. Maybe it’s time to give someone else a chance as the everyday man at short, at least for a little while. Hypothetically, Kristian Campbell, the touted utility prospect currently crushing the ball in AAA, could don the uniform. Perhaps centerfielder Cedanne Rafaela gets some reps; there would be multiple competent outfielders ready to take his place. Frankly, the concept of a shakeup here matters more than the specifics. Good baseball, or at least adequate or interesting baseball, is within reach for the Red Sox. They just cannot be afraid of experimentation, especially when it comes to the Storys of the world.
