Trevor Story has been on a hot streak for the Boston Red Sox. But does that help or hurt shortstop Xander Bogaerts?
Over a month into the season, the Boston Red Sox found themselves near the bottom of the AL East standings. With that, extra attention is given to players who are not performing up to expectations. Trevor Story was that player, after he only hit two home runs entered the team’s series against the Seattle Mariners, which was after signing a six-year, $140 million deal this offseason.
Now, Story has been on fire ever since the Mariners visited Fenway Park, hitting five home runs in the span of four games. With Story breaking out of his slump and proving that his bat is on fire, does that help or hurt Xander Bogaerts in regards to his status with the team?
Does Trevor Story’s hot streak help or hurt Xander Bogaerts?
Well, it is actually a little bit of both.
First off, the Red Sox helped themselves in the division standings, as they picked up four straight victories and are now just three games under .500. If Boston keeps it up in the months leading up to the trade deadline, that makes the likelihood of Bogaerts getting dealt less likely. Why would they if they are in postseason contention?
However, if Story continues to keep up at this pace, it could very well push Bogaerts out of Boston at the end of the 2022 season. Bogaerts and the Red Sox have not been able to reach an agreement on a contract extension ahead of the season, and it seems like Bogaerts could very well use his player opt-out at the end of the year to test out free agency.
If Boston is satisfied with Story’s play (if he keeps it up), then the likelihood of Bogaerts staying decreases.