Red Sox's Story Aims to Sharpen Backhand Defense

Veteran infielder focuses on pre-pitch setup to improve range and arm strength on throws to first base.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 6:50pm

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Red Sox infielder Trevor Story is working on improving his backhand defense this spring, focusing on adjustments to his pre-pitch setup to give him better positioning and angle to make throws on balls hit to his right. Story rated -9 outs above average on defense last season, his worst career mark, with particular struggles on balls hit toward third base. The 33-year-old veteran is determined to shore up that part of his game after a healthy 2025 season.

Why it matters

As the captain of the Red Sox infield, Story's defense is a key part of the team's overall performance. Improving his backhand range and consistency could lead to fewer errors and more outs recorded, which would be a significant boost for Boston's pitching staff and run prevention efforts.

The details

Story spent much of the offseason making adjustments to his pre-pitch setup, believing it will give him an extra foot or two of range to his right and allow him to better utilize his arm strength on backhand throws to first base. The veteran shortstop said the metrics showed his backhand was a weakness last season, so he's focused on the "little things" to sharpen that part of his game.

  • Story had a "nice re-entry season" in 2025 after several years of injury issues.
  • Story rated -9 outs above average on defense last season, the worst mark of his career.

The players

Trevor Story

A 33-year-old veteran shortstop for the Boston Red Sox who is focused on improving his backhand defense this spring training.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox who has provided early hints about his Opening Day lineup this spring, including committing to Roman Anthony as the leadoff hitter.

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What they’re saying

“We looked at the numbers on the backhand. I could be a little better there. So, yeah, it's really about that pre-pitch setup and giving me a foot, two feet. More of an angle to get there and use my arm strength to make the throw. It's just about the little things.”

— Trevor Story

“A lot of it is about pre-positioning and scouting. But if you can gain a foot somewhere, that means a lot.”

— Trevor Story

“I mean, I love it. I love going backhand, especially the short backhand and throwing on the run. That's kind of the [Troy Tulowitzki] play that I learned from him, and my athleticism lends to making those plays and throwing on the run, the jump throws in the hole. Those are always fun.”

— Trevor Story

What’s next

Story will look to put his improved backhand defense on display when the Red Sox open the 2026 season on March 28.

The takeaway

By focusing on the small details of his pre-pitch setup, veteran shortstop Trevor Story is determined to shore up the weakest part of his defensive game and become an even more well-rounded player for the Red Sox in 2026.