Morning Sports Update

Trevor Story discussed why he didn’t opt out of Red Sox contract

"I’m not going to leave when it’s time to start skyrocketing."

Trevor Story Red Sox contract
Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story takes the field during Game 2 of the Wild-Card Playoff Series against the Yankees. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff

By Hayden Bird

3 minutes to read

Trevor Story speaks out on decision to stay with Red Sox: The Red Sox have one less offseason issue to worry about with the recent news that shortstop Trevor Story had decided to not opt out of his contract and hit free agency.

Story, 32, could have opted out and tested the market, but ultimately chose to remain committed to the final two years and $55 million in his current deal.

“At this point in my career, it’s not about making decisions based on money. It never has been,” Story told the NESN “310 to Left” podcast, per co-host (and Boston Globe Red Sox reporter) Alex Speier. “To me, it’s pretty simple. There’s not another organization I want to be a part of. I’m just in love with the place, and [I’ve] got some unfinished business.”

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The veteran infielder says he told teammates after the season ended that he intended to stay put.

“This is where I want to be,” Story says he explained to fellow Red Sox. “I came here for a reason, and we’re finally good. I’m not going to leave when it’s time to start skyrocketing. We just feel like it’s the best place to be in baseball right now, and we feel like it’s really close to being what we all imagine.”

Story signed with Boston prior to the 2022 season, but missed large periods of time for three years due to injuries. In 2025, he finally enjoyed a healthy season, batting .263 with 25 home runs and 31 stolen bases.

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Looking ahead, he sounded confident that the team was committed to spending what’s required to best position the Red Sox to compete for a World Series.

“With the resources that we have being the Red Sox, we know that [the front office] and ownership are going to keep adding to the group,” Story said. “All things considered, it just feels like a rocket ship is about to take off.”

Trivia: Trevor Story has now worn the No. 10 jersey for the Red Sox for four seasons (2022-2025). That is officially the longest run wearing that number since what former Boston player?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He was once portrayed in a movie by Chris Pratt.

Scores and schedules:

The Celtics routed the Wizards 136-107 on Wednesday, with Jaylen Brown scoring 35 points in just 26 minutes. Boston will face the Magic in Orlando on Friday in an NBA Cup game at 7 p.m.

Tonight, the Bruins face the Senators at TD Garden at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, the Patriots will travel to Tampa to play the Buccaneers at 1 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

Stefon Diggs on Patriots’ commitment: Diggs explained why he’s “not surprised” that so many players were in the facility working on their day off.

On this day: In 1988, the Patriots defeated the Dolphins 21-10 to get back to .500 (5-5). The interesting disparity in the game was that despite Miami quarterback throwing for 359 yards (on 51 attempts), he wasn’t able to overcome Doug Flutie (74 yards passing on just 14 attempts). The difference for New England came in the running game, where Patriots backs totaled 203 yards.

1988 Patriots Dolphins Boston Globe Sports

Daily highlight: A combination of energetic defense and transition dunks was on full display in the Celtics’ dominant win on Wednesday.

Trivia answer: Scott Hatteberg

Hayden Bird

Sports Staff

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.

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