“It’s not like heroes are coming back. We’re not looking at it that way. These guys have put in the work and done the things and performed on the field to get us to where we’re at and we’re just coming in to help that,” Story said per Mass Live reporter Christopher Smith.

The Red Sox are one of the teams battling for a spot in the playoffs, currently trailing the Tampa Bay Rays. As the end of the regular season draws closer, the returns of Story and Anthony could provide a very important emotional boost to keep fighting in the AL East.

How much impact will Story’s return have?

Story’s return to the active roster gives the Boston Red Sox a major defensive upgrade at shortstop and leadership in the clubhouse down the stretch, even as he works to find his rhythm at the plate. Before landing on the 60-day injured list in late May due to a sports hernia that required surgery, the 33-year-old veteran was struggling offensively through 41 games, slashing .206/.244/.303 with 3 home runs, 19 RBIs, and 4 stolen bases.

Despite those early-season hitting woes, his elite glove and veteran presence bolster a Boston team pushing for a Wild Card spot, giving it much-needed stability in the middle infield for the final stretch of the regular season.

Anthony’s return is also key

Getting top prospect Roman Anthony back in the outfield gives Boston a massive boost right when every win counts in the postseason chase. Prior to missing time with an ankle sprain, the rookie phenom was putting together an eye-opening campaign, slashing .278/.372/.465 with 14 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases in 88 games.

Reinserting his elite plate discipline, left-handed power, and pure athleticism into the everyday lineup injects immediate high-voltage energy into the Red Sox offense as they gear up for the final stretch of the MLB season.

Set to bring Story, Anthony, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa back, there was always going to be a catch. Somebody had to be sent down, and it was always likely to be players who had stepped up when it mattered most and kept the Red Sox in the American League Wild Card race in the 2026 MLB season.

In that sense, baseball is a cruel business. Taking his first steps as a manager in the Show, perhaps Tracy wasn’t used to this part of the sport. Still, after optioning Mickey Gasper and Anthony Seigler to Triple-A affiliate Worcester, Tracy voiced a sincere statement. Calling Story and Anthony up was relatively easy, but sending Seigler and Gasper down was not.

“It was bittersweet. I mean it. We’re really excited that Roman’s here, really excited Trevor’s here,” Tracy admitted, per Mass Live reporter Christopher Smith. “But have to talk to two guys that were instrumental over this stretch of helping our team get back to where it is right now and professionally. Explain to them the reasons why you’re doing what you’re doing and keep them focused to go down and continue to get reps so that they’re ready for the next call. So it was an exciting night and also a very difficult night at the same time.”

Red Sox go out with the new, in with the old

Although Anthony did much better in his Worcester rehab assignment than Story did, their numbers were still not quite at the level fans expected. For the Red Sox, however, the stats were irrelevant and mostly decorative. All they needed to see was the right progress from their injured players.

However, by bringing Anthony and Story back and sending Gasper and Seigler down, Boston got rid of two pivotal pieces of its late-season success. It should go without saying, but fans in The Hub will be watching closely as the veteran and sophomore return to the lineup against none other than the New York Yankees in the Bronx.

Many fans didn’t appreciate Story’s return, especially as it came at the expense of Seigler. “Yay!!!! Trevor Story is back!” – Nobody. Literally nobody,” a fan replied to Boston’s announcement of the roster moves. “Gasper and Seigler got us here. I think they deserve to stay,” another fan commented.

Stats comparison in 2026

Through 41 games with the Red Sox in 2026, Story has scored 16 runs, recorded 34 hits, three home runs, and 19 RBIs. Moreover, he’s posted a .206 AVG, .244 OBP, .303 SLG, and .547 OPS. Anthony, on the other hand, has played 30 games and recorded 12 runs, 25 hits, one home run, and five RBIs, along with a .229 AVG, .354 OBP, .321 SLG, and .675 OPS.

The recently optioned momentum-builders, in turn, have exceeded expectations. Seigler has 21 runs, 37 hits, three home runs, and 13 RBIs through 48 outings, as well as a .250 AVG, .331 OBP, .405 SLG, and .737 OPS. Lastly, Gasper has played in 45 games, with 17 runs, 37 hits, five homers, and 19 RBIs. His .278 batting average is among the best on the team, along with a .374 OBP, .466 SLG, and .840 OPS.

“It means everything, I think that was kind of the point of having the surgery when we did is if (the Red Sox) fought our way back into (the playoff picture), then there’d be a real chance that I can contribute the way that I know I can. So all that’s kind of coming together now and I’m excited about rejoining the club,” Story said via Worcester T&G Sports‘ Tommy Cassell.

The Red Sox are battling head-to-head with the New York Yankees in the AL East in an effort to dethrone the Tampa Bay Rays from the top spot. It seems difficult, but there are still several games left to make it happen.

Roman Anthony is also ready to return in Boston

A partial tear of a tendon in the ring finger of his right hand kept Roman Anthony from being alongside his teammates for a few months. After completing his rehabilitation assignment in the Minor Leagues (Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester), the outfielder is excited about his return.

“I’m ready. I feel like I’m ready. So for me, I’ve felt somewhat ready since the first game in Portland and I think I’m just understanding that with that comes volume and all the different things that go into a rehab assignment and for me it was about getting back out there and, I said it before, (but) getting back into baseball mode, right?,” he said also via Tommy Cassell on X.

Focused on the playoffs

Closing out their four-game series against the New York Yankees today at Yankee Stadium, the Red Sox are preparing to return home to Fenway Park. They host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game set from August 31 to September 2, followed by another three-game series against the Chicago White Sox from September 4 to 6, before visiting the Minnesota Twins from September 7 to 9.

Holding on to a wild-card spot, Boston needs to fix its bullpen inconsistencies, keep its core hitters healthy, and dominate against sub-.500 opponents during this final month to secure a berth in the postseason.

The returns of both Trevor Story and Roman Anthony could prove crucial to achieving their goal. Will this historic team finally be able to put its name back in a World Series?

Both Story and Anthony struggled to start their rehab assignments in Triple-A baseball. While Story tuned out the critics amid his rough patch, Anthony showed some reaction at the plate, proving he was serious when he said he wanted to put the criticism surrounding his injury recovery behind him. Whether they still have something to prove or not, both Story and Anthony decided to extend their stints in the minors—or so they said.

“Roman Anthony just said he (and Trevor Story) decided they wanted to get more at-bats here in Triple-A Worcester today as opposed to wasting a day traveling to New York,” as reported by Tommy Cassell of Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Curious decision on Story, Anthony’s part

Usually, when a player is given the green light to return to the major league lineup, it takes no time for him to pack his things and be on his way to wherever the MLB club is playing. However, it appears Anthony and Story were in no rush to leave Worcester, nor did they have any desire to spend a day as tourists in New York City.

Focused on getting back to 100 percent and finding their mojo again, the duo opted to stick around for at least one more game with the WooSox. It remains to be seen how the Red Sox react to Story and Anthony’s decision.

Just recently, Boston’s Chief Baseball Officer (CBO) Craig Breslow guaranteed Story’s starting job would be waiting for him under one condition. Perhaps this changes things and how the organization views the injured infielder and left fielder.

Story and Anthony’s stats in minors

While Story has now been in Worcester for a while, Anthony is still new to the lineup. However, their numbers indicate that has had little to do with their production.

Through eight games with the WooSox, Story has gone 4-for-29 at the plate, with two runs, two RBIs, and 10 strikeouts. His batting stats are as tough to look at, with a .138 AVG, .167 OBP, .138 SLG, and .305 OPS. Throughout the 2026 MLB season, he had registered a .206 AVG, .244 OBP, .303 SLG, and .547 OPS.

As for Anthony, his numbers are a bit better. He’s only played in two games at Triple-A, going 2-for-8. He went hitless in his first game before going 2-for-4 in his second, including a home run. His Triple-A slash line stands at a .250 AVG, .333 OBP, .625 SLG, and .958 OPS. At the MLB level, Anthony has a .229 AVG, .354 OBP, .321 SLG, and .675 OPS through 30 games with Boston in 2026.

“We’ll have conversations with [Story] and [Chad Tracy] will work through that,” Breslow admitted on The Greg Hill Show. “Trevor will be the first to admit he struggled before getting hurt this season, but he was also someone who carried our offense for months at a time last year.

“I don’t think we got to see a full healthy version of him, he was battling through the sports hernia injury that limited his ability to be the explosive athlete he can be. And so that’s what we’re looking for, and when he’s right, he is a guy that fits into the middle of a lineup.”

Although Breslow didn’t entirely commit to naming Story the starting shortstop when he is finally back in MLB, his comments did paint a clear picture. Boston won’t rush Story’s rehab. Until he is fully recovered from sports hernia surgery, the Red Sox may not call him up. When they finally do, it will be because he’s at 100 percent, and all signs indicate he will reclaim his place at shortstop.

Boston may not care about Story’s struggles in minors

Story tuned out the criticism surrounding his rough rehab assignment, but has yet to show Boston he is ready to return to the Show. Maybe the Red Sox agree with Story that the results aren’t what they need to see from him, and all they need is proof that he has healed. That appears to be the key condition delaying his activation from the 60-day injured list (IL).

During his latest appearance, Breslow didn’t point a blaming finger at Story’s abysmal numbers with the Triple-A affiliate, the Worcester Red Sox. All he mentioned was how injuries have plagued the Texan throughout the 2026 MLB campaign. That is further evidence of what Boston’s evaluation of Story’s rehab is centered on.

Story could be blasting home runs day in and day out in the minors, but if he doesn’t show the right things from a medical standpoint, he may stay in Worcester longer. And vice versa, maybe Story never finds his footing in terms of production in Triple-A, but if he reacts positively and remains setback-free on the field, he could be back with Tracy and company at Fenway Park soon.

Story could start thanks to his defense

Story’s offensive production has been a loud talking point in Boston for some time now. Still, his consistency at shortstop may give him the upper hand in getting his team’s nod and watching Andruw Monasterio, who is replacing Story, go down the ranks.

Comparing Story and Monasterio’s numbers may not be an even fight, as the latter has played more than twice as many games as the former. Still, Monasterio has recorded -7 runs prevented and -9 outs above average (OAA) in the 2026 MLB season, compared with Story’s -2 and -3, respectively, according to Baseball Savant.

“Overall, feeling really good,” Story admitted in dialogue with The Boston Globe. “I’m on [time with] the barrel, just a touch off [on squaring pitches]. [It’s] to be expected. I think more than the results, it’s more about how I’m feeling and kind of dictating the at-bat. And I’m in a good spot there. So, feel good about [returning].”

Although the Red Sox are set to bring Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa back, there’s a catch. Moreover, the former has yet to impress, and not everybody agrees he’s ready to return just yet. The thing is, if Story isn’t called up now, after admitting he feels alright, then when?

Never-ending Story for Trevor

Story has been sidelined in the 2026 MLB season since May. The Red Sox’ shortstop underwent sports hernia surgery, was placed on the 60-day injured list (IL), and has slowly worked his way back since. Sent on a rehab assignment to Worcester, Story has already played seven games in the minor leagues but barely has anything to show for it.

Through seven outings, Story has managed just four hits in 25 at-bats, while putting up a .160 AVG, .192 OBP, .160 SLG, and .352 OPS. His base running may be salvaged from the critics, as he has managed to score half the times he has reached first base. Story has yet to hit anything better than a single in the MiLB.

Moreover, Story has two RBIs, a walk, and seven strikeouts. Due to his aggressive nature at the plate, striking out and chasing balls well outside the zone has long been an issue for Story. In Worcester, it’s been no different.

Red Sox fans wary of Story’s return

Struggling in the minors, fans in The Hub are wary of how Story may look at the plate when he returns to Fenway Park. Story made it clear he isn’t looking at the stat box. However, that’s partly because it’s a deflating sheet to look at. Needless to say, the fanbase in Beantown is looking at it, and are far from thrilled.

“On one hand it’s good he’s itching to come back. On the other, he hasn’t done anything in the minor rehab to suggest he will be good to go. For me stick down until you show consistency then OK,” a fan commented on social media.

Regardless of the outside noise, all Story cares about is feeling good and confident enough to take on major league pitchers on a daily basis while being a reliable option for Boston at shortstop or wherever interim manager Chad Tracy needs him on the infield.

Story’s contract

Some fans have gone as far as to suggest Story stay in the minors through the season. That’s unrealistic. He may not have performed as expected, but Boston is still paying him a $25 million salary in 2026 and will do so again in 2027. In 2028, Story’s six-year, $140 million contract could be extended through a team option.

Story declined to opt out of his contract prior to the 2026 MLB season, and this is the hand he’s been dealt because of it: facing harsh criticism from fans and dealing with a considerable setback that has raised even more questions about his ability at the plate, where he’s left plenty of them ever since he arrived in Boston in 2022.

“Story could join the team in Miami as soon as Wednesday,” as reported by Jen McCaffrey on The Athletic. “The Red Sox will need to open three roster spots within the next week or so.”

In addition to Story and Kiner-Falefa, Roman Anthony, though a bit behind the other two, is also expected to return soon. It makes for exciting news in Beantown, though it comes at a price. And with a headache for interim manager Chad Tracy.

After watching the trio of players go down within a span of weeks earlier in the 2026 MLB season, the Triple-A call-ups Mickey Gasper, Anthony Seigler, and Nick Sogard have not only risen to the challenge but also played crucial roles day in and day out.

Red Sox must make roster moves

It’s no mystery why Boston managed to stay alive in the AL Wild Card race despite the key absences. Now, however, the Red Sox must make a decision and determine who will be sent back down to Triple-A to make room for Story and Kiner-Falefa.

“Seigler is [likely] the odd man out,” The Athletic’s McCaffrey reported on whom the Red Sox might send down to make room in their roster. “If Seigler is optioned when Story or Kiner-Falefa returns, [Andruw] Monasterio could be the other player optioned.”

Though not a minor-league callup, Monasterio saw his playing time increased since the rough months of May and June, when the Red Sox placed Story, Kiner-Falefa, and Anthony on the 60-day injured list (IL). With the trio expected to return before long, Boston could shift back to its regular lineup to start the year. Whether that’s wise or not, that’s a different question.

Stats comparison

In an era where pitching depth and offensive firepower come at a premium, the names leading the salary table represent more than just figures. They’re investments in performance, leadership and the hope of pushing deeper into October.

But what these numbers also reveal is how the Red Sox are balancing risk and reward—whether locking in long-term deals or paying for proven production. The story behind the roster’s highest-paid players shows how Boston plans to compete this season.

Who are the highest-paid Red Sox players in 2026?

Money shapes expectations in Boston and the 2026 payroll makes that impossible to ignore. The front office has doubled down on star power and frontline pitching, committing significant resources to a handful of names expected to define the club’s direction this season.

According to Spotrac’s 2026 payroll data, left-hander Garrett Crochet leads the way at $28 million. After signing a long-term extension following his arrival in Boston, he enters the year positioned not just as the rotation’s anchor, but as the organization’s most expensive investment on the mound.

Veteran shortstop Trevor Story follows at $25 million, a figure tied to the multi-year deal he inked in free agency. His contract continues to loom large over the payroll conversation, especially as they look for stability and production.

These figures highlight more than just numbers: they outline Boston’s financial priorities. Pitching, veteran leadership and middle-of-the-order potential dominate the top of the ledger…

While several of the Red Sox‘s key bats have stumbled out of the gate, that has not been the case for Story, who is now hitting an impressive .321 with five home runs and 14 RBIs. On Friday night, he went 3-for-4 at the plate, including two home runs, six RBIs, and three runs scored—a performance that marked one of his most dominant outings in a Red Sox uniform.

When asked about the secret to his early-season surge, Story remained true to his trademark no-nonsense demeanor, offering a response that was as straightforward as his approach at the plate.

“Just focused on hitting the ball hard. That’s really it,” Story said after the game. “To me, it’s very simple, it’s very short, and obviously a good feeling when you feel like you hit the ball hard in the box.” That philosophy of keeping things simple appears to be working wonders for the 32-year-old, who is determined to establish himself as a central figure in Boston’s offensive resurgence.

Story leading a lineup looking to break free from early slump

Whether due to injuries, inconsistency, or a combination of both, Story’s first three seasons in Boston fell far short of expectations. However, after quietly reclaiming his role as the club’s everyday shortstop, he has quickly become a bright spot—especially as other key names such as Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, and Triston Casas have struggled to find their rhythm.

What’s next for the Red Sox?

The Red Sox will aim to sustain their recent upswing after winning three of their last four games when they face Chicago again on Saturday afternoon. If Story’s resurgence continues, it could be the spark Boston needs to unlock its full offensive potential and stay competitive in the American League.

Thus far, Alex Cora’s team boasts a 10-19 record, losing five games in a row. Their offense has been dormant, to say the least, and it feels like they should be due for a major shakeup in the lineup.

Moreover, Trevor Story’s first year at Fenway Park has been nothing short of a nightmare. He’s batting .194 with a .276 OBP, .269 SLG, and .545 OPS. He’s struck out in 33% of his at-bats and has failed to homer across 105 plate appearances.

MLB News: Red Sox Won’t Move Story Down In The Lineup

The fans have already lost their patience with their second baseman. They booed him again after striking out three times in four at-bats on Sunday. However, Cora won’t consider moving him down in the lineup as a part of his upcoming adjustments:

“We’ll see where we’re at Tuesday,” Cora said. “We have to make adjustments. It’s an adjustment game. Probably I’ll shave Monday. It might be an adjustment. I don’t think hitting or anything is about shaving but hey, people are asking for that. No but, we have to work. Whatever lineup we have Tuesday is the lineup we’re going to have Tuesday and we have to be better.”

“If you start talking about certain guys, I don’t know,” the skipper added. “As an offense, we’re not doing too much. When he was hitting sixth or he’s leading off, we haven’t done much. We cannot look at one guy to get the offense going. And he knows he’s working. We know he’s going to be better. Right now it doesn’t look great but we trust the player.”

While some offensive regression was expected after leaving Coors Field, this has been way too much. Then again, Story is too good not to turn things around, but maybe being second in the lineup isn’t doing him any favors right now.

Eventually, the Boston Red Sox won his sweepstakes and paired him with Xander Bogaerts in the infield, moving him to second base. And, while he’s made the defensive adjustment with ease, his offense hasn’t followed him away from Coors Field.

26 games into the season, Story is hitting .210 with a .589 OPS. That’s far from what you’d want from a player who was signed to asix-year, $140 million contract to be one of the faces of the offense.

Trevor Story Says There’s A Lot Of New Things Going On

That’s why, after hitting rock bottom and getting struck out four times by Shohei Ohtani, fans at Fenway Park just couldn’t take it anymore. Story felt firsthand the wrath of the Green Monster, hearing boos left and right. Still, his confidence remains untouched:

“Just a lot of new overall,” Story said after the game. “In life, baseball, all of it. There’s just a lot of new stuff going on. I’m very heavy on the routine and regimen of what’s been successful for me.”

J.D. Martínez, Álex Cora Have Story’s Back

Needless to say, the team still has Story’s back. J.D. Martínez remembered how poorly his career in Boston started, while Álex Cora acknowledged that big expectations will come with big responsibilities:

“I didn’t hear the crowd,” Martinez said. “I don’t know what happened, but Trevor’s a professional. He’s a proven All-Star. My first month here, I think I was hitting like .200 and then I turned it on. So, I’m not putting anything past him. He’s a great player. He’s proven himself for a while now. I always like to measure guys at the end of the year, not after a month.”

“Expectations here are what they are,” Cora added.“What the fans expect are the same things he expects. That’s part of the equation.”

It was normal to expect some offensive regression as Story left the most hitter-friendly ballpark in the game, but no one saw this coming. Even so, it’s still early in the season and he’s too good not to turn this around.