MLB teams can’t sign any players at the moment because of the lockout.
Until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, this will remain the case.
One of the players who still hasn’t found a new home is Trevor Story.
The shortstop, who has played for the Colorado Rockies for his entire career, hit .251/.329/.471 with 24 home runs and 20 stolen bases in 2021.
He has a .272/.340/.523 line over his brilliant career so far.
The Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and even the Rockies are said to have varying degrees of interest in signing him.
However, these two teams could surprisingly swoop in and ink the infielder.
2. Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have one of the best shortstops in the league in Xander Bogaerts.
Bogaerts is, however, a bad defensive shortstop.
It’s unlikely the Red Sox move him from the position, though, so if Boston is going to consider Story, it will likely be to play at second base.
At the moment, Kike Hernandez would likely be the second baseman, after the team brought back Jackie Bradley Jr. to play center field.
Hernandez is a nice player, but Story is definitely better and has more upside.
The Red Sox have some money to spend and are said to be interested in Story.
The Red Sox are now in on Trevor Story, along with the Mariners and Astros. The Yankees don’t appear to be in on Story as much as they are more in on Carlos Correa.
The Red Sox could see Story at second or moving Xander Bogaerts over to second.
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) December 6, 2021
Bringing in Story would be ideal for a Red Sox team that wants to keep up with the Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Yankees in the American League East.
In addition, there is a chance Bogaerts opts out of his deal after the 2022 season, in which case the team could have Story play second in 2022 and slide over to short if needed in the future.
In any case, with a player of Story’s caliber, there is usually a way to fit him in.
1. Chicago Cubs
This one would be a shocker, wouldn’t it?
The Chicago Cubs dealt eight players in last season’s trade deadline because they didn’t like the idea of paying them to stay long-term.
However, they have spent some money this offseason: $10 million on Wade Miley, $71 million over three years for Marcus Stroman, and a few million in catcher Yan Gomes and outfielder Clint Frazier.
It’s clear they have a plan to be competitive in the next year or two, and a postseason spot isn’t out of the question if they complete a solid offseason.
At the moment, the Cubs have Nico Hoerner at the top of the shortstop depth chart.
Hoerner isn’t a bad shortstop, but his power upside is limited.
Last year, he hit a solid .302/.382/.369, but didn’t homer in 170 plate appearances.
He did steal five bases and play good defense, though, so he is not a liability.
If the Cubs feel like upgrading, however, they can look at Story, who shouldn’t command as much money as Carlos Correa.
Ever since the trade deadline, there have been reports that suggest Story could play some center field.
The Cubs could also use an upgrade there.
#Cubs still got at least $34M to play with for next years roster. Could Trevor Story be next? #MLBHotStove https://t.co/Dka06wlNYu
— scoyle23 (@stephenscoyle) December 2, 2021
It’s a matter of getting creative, but Story sure would fit in Chicago.
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