Red Sox Leader Trevor Story: 'It Was Tough Losing Two Guys Like That'

Veteran departures leave leadership void in Red Sox clubhouse, Story says

Feb. 13, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story acknowledged the team will miss the veteran leadership of Alex Bregman and Rob Refsnyder, who have both departed the organization. Story said he and other tenured players like Aroldis Chapman will need to step up to fill the void left by the losses of Bregman and Refsnyder.

Why it matters

Veteran leadership is crucial for a young team like the Red Sox, and the departures of Bregman and Refsnyder leave a significant hole that Story and others will need to fill. The Red Sox are hoping their remaining veteran players can provide the necessary guidance and mentorship to help the team's younger players develop.

The details

Bregman, who had been to nine straight postseasons, served as a hitting coach and showed the Red Sox's young players what it takes to win. Refsnyder also provided veteran leadership over the past four seasons before signing with the Mariners. Story, who missed significant time due to injury in 2023-24, said he feels more comfortable leading when he's healthy and able to be on the field with his teammates.

  • Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs in the offseason.
  • Refsnyder signed with the Seattle Mariners after four seasons with the Red Sox.

The players

Trevor Story

Red Sox shortstop who will need to step up as a leader with the departures of Bregman and Refsnyder.

Alex Bregman

Former Red Sox player who signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs in the offseason, leaving a leadership void in the Red Sox clubhouse.

Rob Refsnyder

Former Red Sox player who provided veteran leadership over the past four seasons before signing with the Seattle Mariners.

Aroldis Chapman

Red Sox pitcher who Story said will also need to step up as a leader.

Jarren Duran

Red Sox player who Story expects to take on a bigger leadership role.

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What they’re saying

“It was tough losing two guys like that. Those guys are great people, great teammates, great players, brought a lot to our team. So we have to figure out a way to make the leadership go around a little bit. And I think some of these guys have to step up.”

— Trevor Story, Red Sox Shortstop

“I think based on tenured guys, we'll look at guys like myself or Chappy (Aroldis Chapman). There's different ways to do it. I think Jarren (Duran) is gonna take a big step in that, as he did last year.”

— Trevor Story, Red Sox Shortstop

What’s next

The Red Sox will need to determine how to distribute leadership responsibilities in the clubhouse without Bregman and Refsnyder. Story, Chapman, and Duran will be expected to step up and fill the void.

The takeaway

Veteran leadership is crucial for a young team like the Red Sox, and the departures of Bregman and Refsnyder leave a significant hole that Story and other tenured players will need to fill. The Red Sox are hoping their remaining veteran players can provide the necessary guidance and mentorship to help the team's younger players develop.