Red Sox shortstop conundrum: What will Boston do with Trevor Story, Franklin Arias?

The Boston Red Sox face an offseason dilemma regarding how to incorporate top shortstop prospect Franklin Arias while managing incumbent veteran Trevor Story. Arias excelled across Double-A and Triple-A this season, hitting .323 with 25 home runs, making him one of baseball's premier prospects. Meanwhile, Story enters the final season of his six-year, $140 million contract after missing 93 games in 2026 following hernia surgery.

Moving Story is complicated by his $25 million salary for 2027, recent injury history, and full no-trade protection through 10-5 rights. Boston could potentially accommodate both players by shifting Curtis Mead to designated hitter, allowing Arias and Story to split duties between shortstop and second base. Management opted not to promote Arias late in the season to protect his offseason development schedule.