Red Sox Stand By Shortstop Trevor Story Despite Early Defensive Struggles

Boston's front office and manager express confidence in Story's abilities despite a rough start to the season on defense.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:04am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball shortstop's defensive movements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, conveying the complex challenges and high expectations surrounding Trevor Story's defensive performance for the Red Sox.The Red Sox's faith in Trevor Story's defensive abilities at shortstop is tested early, but the team remains committed to his long-term success.Worcester Today

The Boston Red Sox are standing by shortstop Trevor Story despite his early-season defensive struggles, which have included three errors in the team's first 11 games. Red Sox manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow have both voiced their support for Story, saying they believe he will work through the issues and emerge as an elite defensive player again.

Why it matters

Trevor Story was a key offseason acquisition for the Red Sox, signing a lucrative free agent contract to be their starting shortstop. The team's faith in him despite his early defensive woes shows their commitment to building around Story as a core part of the roster. How Story responds to the early challenges could set the tone for the rest of his tenure in Boston.

The details

Story said his errors have stemmed from footwork and throwing issues, which he feels he has already started to correct. Cora and Breslow both expressed confidence that Story, a proven defensive standout throughout his career, will quickly regain his form. The Red Sox did not consider moving top prospect Marcelo Mayer to shortstop and shifting Story to second base, instead committing to Story at his natural position.

  • Through the first 11 games of the 2026 season, Story has committed 3 errors.
  • Story signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Red Sox this past offseason.

The players

Trevor Story

The Red Sox's starting shortstop, who signed a free agent contract with the team this past offseason.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

Craig Breslow

The chief baseball officer for the Boston Red Sox.

Marcelo Mayer

A top prospect in the Red Sox's farm system who plays shortstop.

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What they’re saying

“He is who he is. Range-wise, a lot better than last year. Outcome [has been] inconsistent with that. But we like him as the shortstop. He's our shortstop, and he's been elite throughout his career. You're going to go through [bad] stretches. It happened early in the season for him.”

— Alex Cora, Manager, Boston Red Sox

“Trevor's battled through things like this at times. He's come out of them defensively and at the plate, and it happens pretty quickly. He made some really nice plays defensively [on Tuesday]. . . He's been a really good player in this league for a really long time. I think when he gets going, it's also easier for him to emerge as a leader among the group and somebody who commands a ton of respect.”

— Craig Breslow, Chief Baseball Officer, Boston Red Sox

The takeaway

The Red Sox's unwavering support for Trevor Story despite his early defensive struggles shows their commitment to building around him as a core part of the roster. How Story responds to this challenge could set the tone for the rest of his tenure in Boston.