If Story does play, this saves a lot of headaches and trial-and-error for the team in 2023. The Red Sox lost star shortstop Xander Bogaerts to free agency this offseason, which put enough of a hole in the roster alone. They signed Story last season to add depth in preparation for the possibility of Bogaerts leaving, but they’re not quite prepared to deal with Story’s absence.
Story was the main starter at second base last season, so his absence leaves a need to find a new starter at both SS and 2B.
In the depth chart, the only other two options for shortstop are Kiké Hernandez and Christian Arroyo. Both mainly played the outfield last season, but Hernandez stepped up to play second through Story’s hand injury last season.
Arroyo and Hernandez, however, aren’t sustainable options as neither have played a full season at the position, and Arroyo hasn’t played a full season in his career. Niko Goodrum was signed this offseason and is another option at second in addition to Arroyo and Hernandez, but he also hasn’t played a full season and isn’t a regular second baseman.
It’ll be tough and unsustainable to start off the season without Story. If he is able to play, it’ll certainly be a huge relief and will give the Red Sox a bit more time to figure out moves to improve the depth.
