Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story hopeful to play again in 2024

Trevor Story is hopeful that he’ll play for the Red Sox again this year.

The 31-year-old didn’t rule out a return in 2024 when speaking to reporters Friday. Story is a little over three months removed from undergoing shoulder surgery. After the operation, the team said he would miss six months.

“We’re having conversations about it now,” Story said when asked about the possibility of playing again this season, according to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier. “It’s too early to say if that’s gonna happen or not, but always in my mind, it’s something that obviously if there’s a chance to play in the playoffs, this is why I came to Boston.

“So I think we’re being very diligent about the process, we’re being respectful, and we’re not doing anything that my body’s not saying yes to. It’s too early to tell, but obviously, it would be amazing if I can.”

The shortstop’s 2024 season came to a grinding halt on April 5 against the Los Angeles Angels when he suffered a shoulder injury after diving to his left to stop a ground ball. Story was looking forward to playing a full season again as he missed the majority of 2023 recovering from a torn right UCL.

Instead, he endured yet another serious ailment as a member of the Red Sox, this time only eight games into the year.

Upon Story’s latest injury, there was a general sense of doom. Boston was seeking its first full, healthy season from the player since signing him ahead of the 2022 season.

The team had already seen several key players sidelined due to injuries despite the season barely getting underway. Newly-acquired starting pitcher Lucas Giolito underwent elbow surgery in March, newly-acquired second baseman Vaughn Grissom was out for an extended period with a hamstring issue before making his debut, and Rafael Devers missed games during the Red Sox’ first series of the season due to a nagging shoulder problem. Then, a couple of days before Story’s surgery, Nick Pivetta landed on the injured list with an elbow strain.

Nevertheless, Boston quickly exceeded expectations and has continued to win despite the decimating injuries the team faced early on. Rookie Ceddanne Rafaela has played 48 games at shortstop and has played above average offensively and defensively in Story’s place.

If Boston makes the playoffs and competes into October, it sounds like Story wants to suit up if the team’s medical staff allows him to. After suffering his latest injury, he explained the frustration he’s felt about not being able to contribute as much as intended as a member of the Red Sox.

Story signed a six-year, $140 million contract with Boston in March 2022. He has yet to play 100 games in a season for the team, having appeared in just 145 contests since landing with the team.

Given Rafaela’s ability to also play center field, the Red Sox would easily be able to slot Story in at shortstop if the team deems him able to compete in the field.