Trevor Story Stays With Red Sox, Showing His Leadership

Boston's star shortstop opts to remain with the team despite opportunities to test free agency.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox are fortunate to retain star shortstop Trevor Story, who decided to stay with the team despite opportunities to test free agency. Story was one of Boston's most consistent bats in 2025, and his decision to remain with the club just minutes after their playoff elimination shows his commitment to the team and its promising future.

Why it matters

With the departure of veteran Alex Bregman, Story's decision to stay provides much-needed veteran leadership for the Red Sox. His all-around production and willingness to be a leader will be crucial as the team looks to build on its recent success and make another playoff push.

The details

Story had a strong 2025 season, slashing .263/.308/.433 with 25 home runs, 96 RBIs, 31 stolen bases, 29 doubles and 91 runs scored. After the Red Sox were eliminated from the playoffs, Story told manager Alex Cora within 5 minutes that he would be returning in 2026, opting to stay with the team despite potential opportunities to earn more money elsewhere in free agency.

  • The 2025 MLB season ended with the Red Sox being eliminated from the playoffs by the New York Yankees.
  • Just 5 minutes after the final out against the Yankees, Story told Cora he would be returning to the Red Sox in 2026.

The players

Trevor Story

The star shortstop for the Boston Red Sox who decided to stay with the team despite opportunities to test free agency.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox who spoke about Story's quick commitment to returning to the team.

Alex Bregman

The veteran infielder who opted out of his contract with the Red Sox, leaving a leadership void that Story has now filled.

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What they’re saying

“He opted in and he decided to stay here. That was right away. We had that conversation five minutes after the last out in New York. He came to me, he came to the office like, 'I'm in. I ain't going nowhere.'”

— Alex Cora, Manager, Boston Red Sox (MassLive.com)

“There could have been a market out there where I could get more money. It wasn't about that for me. I felt like I came here for a reason. It's the unfinished business side of it. The promise of our team, the young guys coming up and the additions that we made play even more into that.”

— Trevor Story (MassLive.com)

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to build around Story's leadership and production as they aim to make another playoff push in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Trevor Story's decision to stay with the Red Sox despite opportunities to earn more elsewhere shows his commitment to the team and its future. His veteran leadership will be crucial as Boston looks to take the next step and contend for a championship.