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This Former Strength Has Shockingly Become Massive Weakness For Slumping Red Sox
TL;DR
The Boston Red Sox's once strong left side of the infield has become a major weakness as the team struggles. Trevor Story, who had a standout season last year, is now facing challenges that impact the team's performance.
Trevor Story
This Former Strength Has Shockingly Become Massive Weakness For Slumping Red Sox originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Last year, the left side of the infield was a huge strength for the Boston Red Sox.
Veteran shortstop Trevor Story enjoyed his best season in years, leading the Red Sox with 25 home runs, 96 RBI and 31 steals. Meanwhile, Alex Bregman made the All-Star team at third base and was a Silver Slugger finalist.
They were two of Boston's best players and a big reason why the team made the playoffs in 2025.
In 2026, however, the left side of the Red Sox's infield has been the worst in baseball so far.
Story's gotten off to a poor start, both at the plate and in the field. Offensively, he's slashing just .188/.194/.275 with one home run, 22 strikeouts and only one walk in 72 plate appearances. Defensively, his four errors are the most by a Major League shortstop.
Meanwhile, Bregman's replacement, Caleb Durbin, has been even worse. In 58 plate appearances, he's battingĀ .135/.224/.173 with no home runs, six RBI and aĀ 17 OPS+
Story's OPS+ is 36. Last year, both were overĀ 100.
They've both been worth negative WAR this season, combining forĀ -0.4, according to Baseball-Reference. Last season, they were worthĀ 6.6 combined.
Their struggles are a big reason why Boston isĀ 6-10 with a below-average offense. If the Red Sox want to turn things around, they need their shortstop and third baseman to both start playing up to expectations, especially given their important roles in the batting order.
Fortunately, they've both shown signs of breaking out recently. Story has five hits over his last two games, while Durbin has three hits, five runs and three RBI over his last three games.
They're both trending in the right direction, which is a great sign for Boston's lineup.
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Q&A
What happened to Trevor Story's performance with the Boston Red Sox?
Trevor Story, who had a stellar season last year, is currently facing difficulties that are affecting his overall performance and contributing to the team's struggles.
How did the left side of the infield perform for the Red Sox last season?
Last season, the left side of the infield was a significant strength for the Red Sox, with Trevor Story hitting 25 home runs and Alex Bregman being named an All-Star.
What are the consequences of the Red Sox's infield struggles this season?
The struggles of the Red Sox's infield are contributing to the team's overall slump, impacting their chances of success in the current season.
