Now that free agency has started, we can start thinking about potential landing spots for some of MLB’s best players, and Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story is certainly one of them.
He has a strong track record of success and the chance to make millions.
He will get his chance to get out of a dysfunctional franchise and pursue a World Series ring.
These three teams look like logical landing spots for Story.
3. Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are expected to enter the offseason set to look for a new shortstop.
Their last offer to one of their own free agents, star Carlos Correa, was in the $160 million range and he didn’t want to hear about it.
Correa seems determined to land a $300 million deal, and even if he fails to do so, he should get very close.
That would be out of the Astros’ price range.
That being the case, they might want to bring someone who is a comparable player to Correa, so the drop-off in talent would be marginal or non-existent.
Story seems to be a perfect fit.
He is not as good as Correa defensively, but he is as good, or perhaps better, as an offensive player.
Yes, he has played his entire career in the offensive heaven of Coors Field, but has produced a rock-solid .272/.340/.523 career line.
He overcame a weak start to finish with a .251/.329/.471 line, 24 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in 2021.
He can be a nice Correa replacement for half the total investment.
2. Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers are a lousy team, but they have the intention of changing that.
Latest reports indicate that Texas is willing to spend more money in this offseason.
Story is a native of the Dallas area and would be a logical fit in Texas.
In fact, perhaps no other team can offer him the chance to be the true face of the franchise, like the Rangers.
He would be the leader of Texas’ new project.
Trevor Story would be the best player on the Rangers’ active roster if he were on the team today. No joke.
— Nolan Writin' (@NolanWritinFS) November 9, 2021
That could entice him even more, although he knows that thinking about the possibility of winning a championship in Texas could take at least three or more seasons.
In any case, as the team tries to get out of the American League West basement, Story would be a fantastic signing.
1. Philadelphia Phillies
To finally advance to the postseason, the Philadelphia Phillies need to get Bryce Harper more help and strengthen their lineup.
Yes, the Phillies have J.T. Realmuto, which is a good start, and slugging first baseman Rhys Hoskins.
But there is not much beyond those players.
Additionally, they have a problem at shortstop.
They signed Didi Gregorius a couple of seasons ago thinking he could solve their issues there.
Not only did he fail miserably offensively (.209/.270/.370 in 406 plate appearances) in 2021, but he is also one of the worst defensive shortstops in the game.
In reality, he has been more of a problem rather than a solution.
Now, the Phillies need to replace him in order to keep advancing as a franchise.
Story may require a large contract, but makes perfect sense for Philadelphia.
Sign Trevor Story, Phillies pic.twitter.com/jdr51SS9Ub
— Justin Lever 💚⚾️ (@JustinLever3) November 8, 2021
He is above-average both offensively and defensively, and his prowess on the field will also help the Phillies’ pitching staff.
Additionally, his presence would lengthen the lineup and get Harper a co-star.
NEXT: 3 Potential Landing Spots For Marcus Stroman In Free Agency