Red Sox's Trevor Story reveals team's stance on him playing first base
Context:
The Boston Red Sox are seeking a solution for their first base position after Triston Casas' season-ending injury, with Rafael Devers unwilling to switch positions again. Trevor Story, despite being a potential candidate, has not been approached by the team to fill the role, as confirmed by Chris Cotillo. Story's performance this season has been hampered by injuries, and he is currently slashing .253/.297/.370 with five home runs. Meanwhile, the Red Sox's No. 3 prospect Marcelo Mayer, who is excelling in Triple-A, could be a potential replacement for Story. The team's front office is considering moving Story to first base to accommodate Mayer without needing a trade, as Story has expressed a positive attitude towards having Mayer on the team.
Dive Deeper:
Triston Casas' injury has left the Boston Red Sox with a gap at first base, prompting them to look for alternatives within the team. Rafael Devers has been approached but is not interested in changing positions again.
Trevor Story, a high-profile player signed on a six-year, $140 million contract, has faced injuries and is underperforming this season, making him a candidate for the first base role. However, he has not yet been asked by the team to fill this position.
Marcelo Mayer, a top prospect for the Red Sox and No. 9 in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline, is performing well in Triple-A with a .840 OPS, making him a potential candidate to fill Story's position.
Story has remained open to organizational changes, expressing no issue with Mayer potentially taking over his role, and emphasizing the benefit of having multiple skilled players on the team.
The Red Sox's front office is contemplating moving Story to first base, although he has not played the position before, to make space for Mayer and avoid the need for a trade.
The Boston Red Sox are trying to fill a hole at first base now that Triston Casas is out for the year. Rafael Devers has made it clear that he will not be changing positions again. Trevor Story has revealed his role in the first base saga.
According to MassLive's Chris Cotillo, Story has not been approached by the team to replace Casas. Devers was approached by chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, about playing first base, which eventually led to an eventful media session.
"Trevor Story says the Red Sox have not approached him about first base," Cotillo wrote on X.
Story is an intriguing option to play first base. He signed a six-year, $140 million deal with the Red Sox before the 2022 season. He has struggled with injuries and is slashing .253/.297/.370 this season. He has five home runs, and his potential replacement is ready in the minor leagues.
Marcelo Mayer is the Red Sox's No.3 prospect and is the No.9 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. The young shortstop has a .840 OPS in Triple-A. Story spoke on Mayer potentially replacing him earlier this week.
"It doesn’t bother me," Story told Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. "I think Marcelo is a great player. It’s up to the front office to find ways to make it work. I’ve always said it’s never bad having too many good players."
Well, the way the front office could make it work is by moving Story to first base. Story has never played first base, but neither had Devers when he was approached. Story moving to first base could make room for Mayer while also replacing Casas without a desperate trade.
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