During the second inning of a game against the struggling Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story committed a fielding error that shifted the momentum in the Rockies’ favor. What should have been a straightforward out turned into a costly mistake, contributing significantly to a 6.4% increase in the Rockies’ win probability.
Once viewed as a defensive stalwart for the Rockies, Story’s performance has declined notably since joining the Red Sox in 2022. As the 2025 season progresses, he has recorded seven errors across 762.7 innings during 87 games, resulting in a .980 fielding percentage and a defensive WAR (dWAR) of 0.8. His range factor has also decreased, currently standing at 4.07—far below the 4.5 average he maintained in his peak seasons.
The gravity of Story’s errors is underscored by their timing; the Red Sox, who are in a tight race, cannot afford lapses from their highest-paid players, particularly in crucial moments. This particular error against the Rockies is emblematic of the larger issue the team faces with Story’s declining defense.
Moreover, the Red Sox find themselves in a challenging situation with limited options. With young players like Ceddanne Rafaela already occupying outfield positions, and promising yet unrefined prospects like David Hamilton, the team lacks a clear backup plan at shortstop. Managing Story, who is under a substantial contract for three more years, presents a dilemma for manager Alex Cora.
Despite the pressing issues, there remains a sliver of hope: if Story can regain his former defensive prowess, the Red Sox could stabilize their infield and strengthen their playoff push. The time for adjustment is dwindling, and ensuring that Story can bounce back may be critical for the team’s success in the coming weeks.
The overall sentiment reflects a sense of concern for Story’s future contributions, but with right adjustments, his experience could still play a vital role for the Red Sox.