$140M Disaster? Red Sox Contract Labeled One of Baseball’s Worst.

When the Boston Red Sox signed Trevor Story to a six-year, $140 million contract in 2022, they envisioned a power-hitting infielder who could provide both offensive firepower and defensive stability. However, just a few years into the deal, the contract is now being labeled one of the worst in Major League Baseball.

High Hopes, Low Returns

Story, a two-time All-Star with the Colorado Rockies, arrived in Boston with a strong résumé. Over six seasons in Colorado, he slashed .272/.340/.523 with 158 home runs, proving himself as a dynamic offensive threat. While there were concerns about his transition from the hitter-friendly Coors Field to Fenway Park, the Red Sox were confident in his abilities.

Unfortunately, Story’s tenure in Boston has been plagued by injuries and underwhelming performances. In three seasons, he has played in only 163 games, hitting just .232 with 21 home runs and 90 RBIs. His struggles at the plate have been compounded by his inability to stay on the field, including a shoulder injury that limited him to just 26 games in 2024.

One of the Worst Deals in Baseball?

Due to his lack of availability and diminished production, analysts have begun to rank Story’s contract among the worst in MLB. A recent assessment by The Athletic placed it as the fifth-worst in baseball, citing his .296 on-base percentage and 89 OPS+ (which measures a player’s offensive performance relative to league average).

Boston’s $140 million investment is looking more like a financial burden, especially as the team tries to rebuild and stay competitive in a loaded AL East. With Story set to earn $25 million annually through 2027, the Red Sox face an uphill battle in justifying his spot in the lineup.

What’s Next for Boston?

The Red Sox have some tough decisions to make regarding Story’s future. With top prospects Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell progressing through the system, Boston may look to transition away from Story as their everyday shortstop. If he continues to struggle, the team could explore trade options, though unloading such a contract would be difficult unless they absorb a significant portion of his salary.

For now, the Red Sox must hope that Story can turn things around and provide some value over the remaining years of his contract. If not, this deal will continue to be a cautionary tale about the risks of long-term investments in free agency.