Trevor Story is in one of the worst hitting slumps in Red Sox history, but he's convinced he's close to coming out of it

Boston Globe

3 days ago

It's impossible for such struggles not to weigh on a player.
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'Performance hasn't been there, and that's been frustrating,' Story said.
He's also aware that,
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'It never feels good when you get pretty much told, 'Hey, you're not playing.' But you can understand it,' said Story. 'It's about winning the game. Sometimes you're in a spot where you're not going to help that day. [Cora] is always really good about it. He'll tell you to disconnect that day, just take the mental day and don't dive into anything about it. Just be ready and present for the next day.'
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That view reflects Story's efforts to shift his focus from his performance to that of his team. With the Sox struggling, the veteran — in his 10th big league season — feels he can help a young team understand how a team-centered approach can pull the club out of its malaise.
'My mentality is trying to get my focus off me and make it more about the team, being a good teammate,' said Story. 'I think we'll be where we want to be if we continue to prepare the way we need to.'
Still, while there are no questions about Story's preparation, there are plenty about his production.
Story and Cora saw signs of encouragement during this week's series in Milwaukee. Though just 2 for 11 with a walk, three strikeouts, and his first sacrifice bunt since his rookie season of 2016, Story had better takes, chased fewer pitches out of the strike zone (six swings in 27 out-of-zone pitches), and had fewer swings and misses (three in 55 pitches).
'It just takes one at-bat, one swing, one take to get back on the right track,' said Story. 'I feel like I'm getting towards that.'
Still, evaluators have wondered if Story's slide is reversible given the injuries he experienced and time he missed from 2022-24, particularly the
A number of players have seen their approaches crumble after undergoing labrum repairs, which can affect not only shoulder strength but the looseness, adjustability, and extension of a swing.
Story doesn't feel as if his shoulder is an issue. His bat speed is up from a year ago and his strength is measuring well. But he acknowledges an ongoing search for consistent feel with his swing. He has bat life but hasn't had barrel accuracy, resulting in missing pitches he thinks he should handle.
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'Adjustability is something I've always had. That's what made me a really good hitter. I wouldn't say that it's the shoulder that takes away from that, but more of just, call it time away from the game,' said Story. 'I wouldn't say it's necessarily the shoulder that holds me back, but more about just making the right adjustments.'
Story has gone down rabbit holes trying to re-create his 2018-19 swing, when he was an All-Star in back-to-back years. But he recognizes limits to the undertaking.
'It's easy to dive into how your swing looks and compare it to old stuff. That can be very exhausting. There's not time for that when you're in the box,' he said. 'Micromanaging the mechanics, being in the weeds there, can distract you. So, just really letting my athleticism play and trust my eyes, because that's my greatest strength.'
Whatever his greatest strengths are, the Sox need Story to tap into them. At a time when the team is reeling, Story recognizes his role in the skid and the importance his improvement could play in helping the team regain some offensive footing.
Though Marcelo Mayer is now in the big leagues and the Sox are moving players all over the field without [Alex] Bregman, Cora said Story will remain anchored at shortstop, suggesting that unflattering defensive metrics (Statcast has him as three outs below average at short this year) are distorted by a few early-season misplays.
'He's our shortstop and we've just got to get him going offensively,' said Cora.
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Story remains convinced that a reversal is close at hand. It has to be.
'I've said that for a while, but that confidence, that belief, it truly doesn't leave me,' said Story. 'The second I don't believe that, then I don't think I should be playing this game.'
Story is nowhere close to such a conclusion. To the contrary, as maddening as his slump is, he sees hope in the opportunity to work through it.
A year ago at this time, he had no idea when he'd be able to play again. This year, he's healthy enough to try to solve the riddle of improving his performance. It is a challenge he doesn't take for granted.
'Sometimes it feels heavy. It's not the greatest feeling when you're not playing well,' said Story. '[But] it's much better to play this game and be able to figure it out and work through it as opposed to not have the chance to do it. Every day I wake up grateful to be able to have the opportunity to play this game. That never leaves me.'
Alex Speier can be reached at