Signing Trevor Story: Pros, cons, best fits

Trevor Story hasn't found a home yet, but whatever team does land him will be immediately better for it.

Let's break down some of the pros and cons of signing the All-Star shortstop, and some of his potential suitors.

Pros

In a market laden with elite shortstops, Story stands out as a proven commodity. He averages 26 homers a season and is a regular 30-30 threat. The two-time Silver Slugger winner has posted an OPS above .900 three times over six big-league seasons and has finished in the top 10 for extra-base hits on three occasions.

Story's never won any major defensive awards, but don't let that fool you - he brings plenty of value with the glove. Since Story arrived in the majors six years ago, only two shortstops - Nick Ahmed and Andrelton Simmons - have saved more runs defensively. His 18 outs above average, per StatCast, is well ahead of several other All-Star shortstops, including Xander Bogaerts and Trea Turner. He's never posted a negative defensive runs saved total, and ranked fourth among shortstops in DRS last year.

He may not be a household name like fellow free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa, but Story's consistency on both sides of the ball would fit well on any contender. Plus, he won't cost nearly as much as Correa.

Cons

Story had poor timing, as he entered free agency following a disappointing 2021 season. The raw numbers looked good on the surface (.801 OPS, 24 homers, 20 steals, 9 DRS), but it was his worst overall campaign since 2017.

The elbow injury that sidelined him for weeks in May is perhaps most concerning for prospective suitors. That wasn't his first time battling elbow problems, and teams are paying attention. Many scouts think Story should move to second base to help maintain strength in his throwing arm, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times noted this month. If he's willing to shift off shortstop it could open up his market significantly, but there's no indication that's what he wants. Story has only played shortstop in the majors.

Was all of this a mere blip on the radar, or a sign of things to come as Story moves closer to his 30s? It's hard to tell at this point. On a longer-term deal, Story may end up as a high-risk, high-reward signing, and that's not a gamble every team can afford to take.

Potential suitors

Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox have reportedly looked at Story despite a crowded infield that already includes All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts. For this to work, someone has to swallow their pride and slide to the keystone. Bogaerts is by far the inferior defender, but he's also Boston's longest-tenured player and can opt out next winter. Would the Red Sox risk asking him for a position change just to land Story?

Colorado Rockies: A reunion with the Rockies has always felt like a long shot. Although Story was publicly upset after he wasn't traded at the deadline, Colorado reportedly still wants to bring him back. It feels as though Story closed this door a long time ago, but stranger things have happened.

Houston Astros: If Correa departs Houston, pivoting to Story would be a natural move as a less expensive replacement for the AL champions. The Astros could be the best choice for Story if he's keen on playing shortstop, with Jose Altuve locked down at second and Alex Bregman manning third. Whether they'll open their wallet remains to be seen.

New York Yankees: Story's been linked to the Yankees for several years, and if the Bronx Bombers are willing to spend the money, he'd be a massive prize. With Story in tow, the Yankees could put Gleyber Torres at second permanently, giving him some much-needed certainty about his role. Reuniting with former Rockies teammate and double-play partner DJ LeMahieu would be a nice bonus. The only question is whether the Yankees want to pony up.

Seattle Mariners: The Mariners reportedly made Story an offer, but it's almost certainly contingent on a position switch. Seattle's maintained that J.P. Crawford is its long-term shortstop, but the team has openings at both second and third. Regardless of position, Story would instantly improve the Mariners' lineup. He's the bat they need to take the next step in an increasingly competitive AL West.