The Red Sox' Trevor Story gets a new locker and new infield
FORT MYERS, Fla. — In a major league clubhouse, a locker is a status symbol — location, size, neighbors all indicators of a player’s standing within the team.
So when Trevor Story arrived at Red Sox spring training this week and found his new cubby, it meant something. He possesses the prime corner spot that a year ago belonged to Rafael Devers.
To Story’s right is an empty locker, meant for overflow of his belongings, the end of the row. To his left, another empty slot, then newcomer Willson Contreras, the position player with the next most service time after Story.
Story’s arrangement spoke to his significance to the Red Sox in the room and on the field. Offseason turnover included Alex Bregman and Rob Refsnyder departing for the Cubs and Mariners, respectively, leaving Story as the lone remaining member of the group most often cited for leadership during the Sox’ playoff season in 2025.
Story is an infield anchor, too, an especially important role in the context of the uncertainty next to him. During defensive drills at Fenway South on Friday, trade acquisition Caleb Durbin worked at third base, where he played well for the Brewers last year, and Marcelo Mayer did so at second. Both can play the other position.
Story mentioned Jarren Duran. But Story has the respect, contract, and history to be at the top of the list of leaders. And coming off a season in which he was first on the club in home runs (25), RBIs (96), stolen bases (31), and games (157), he has the health and performance to undergird his standing.
Cora said Story came into his office “five minutes” after last season ended — with a playoff loss to the Yankees — to tell him “I’m going nowhere” and he would not exercise the opt-out clause in his contract.
Story politely declined Cora’s suggestion that he take more days off in 2026, part of the reason the Red Sox signed Kiner-Falefa as a multi-position backup.
Story is optimistic that continued health would help him unlock yet another level of performance. He still feels as strong as he has at any time in his career. So I think it was really about getting back to baseline … getting the 155-plus games has been my goal every single season, and being able to do that means a lot to me.
That’s why I push so hard in the offseason. That’s why I continue to push hard in spring training. And I think it’s a standard to be set for the young guys, too. You don’t really take days off.
Tim Healey can be reached at timothy.healey@globe.com. Follow him @timbhealey (https://www.twitter.com/timbhealey).
