FORT MYERS, Fla. — Shortstop Trevor Story hasn’t had a lot luck since he signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Purple Sox earlier than the beginning of the 2022 season. Earlier than going to Boston, being obtainable was his M.O. throughout his six years with the Rockies. It earned Story two All-Star appearances and two Silver Slugger awards.
However throughout his first three seasons in Boston, Story, 32, has missed 298 video games prior to now three seasons and has had 4 stints on the injured listing. In his first season in Beantown, Story was restricted to 94 video games due to accidents to his proper hand and left foot. In ‘23, he missed all however 43 video games due to proper elbow reconstruction. Final April, Story had a freak damage. He missed 133 video games due to a left shoulder damage which was induced after making a diving try and subject a floor ball hit by Angels outfielder Mike Trout.
Within the three years as a member of the Purple Sox, Story has a slash line of .232/.296/.397 with a mixed 21 house runs, 90 RBIs and 210 strikeouts. Nonetheless, it seems Story is on the verge of getting a pleasant comeback season. In 12 months 4 — granted, it’s Spring Coaching — Story is off to a fantastic begin. Coming into Sunday’s motion towards the Braves, Story is 10-for-21 (.476) with two house runs and 5 RBIs. These two homers got here Friday towards the Marlins. Supervisor Alex Cora seen a distinction in Story’s swing.
“He’s swinging the bat higher. [He is] on time on the fastball and, in the event that they grasp one thing within the zone, he has been hitting it arduous,” Cora stated. “Any individual [in the dugout] stated, ‘Save these swings for the season.’ I disagree. He wants [to swing like] that. He had an excessive amount of swing and miss, however all through camp, he has been making contact, which is nice.”
Story agrees with Cora’s evaluation with regards to being constant on the plate. Story is trying to be extra selective within the batter’s field and put the ball in play. He believes his consistency on the plate first got here after he returned to motion for the ultimate month of the ‘24 season. Story had a slash line of .270/.361/.429. He’s centered on hitting the ball all over. It’ll make him a whole hitter, he believes.
“My in-the-zone contact is healthier. That goes again to final 12 months,” Story stated. “It’s simply simplifying my swing and having the ability to get it off at any time when I need. It has been a spotlight.”
Most of all, Story desires to remain wholesome for the primary time since 2021, which was his final season with the Rockies.
“Clearly, well being performs a giant consider that. I’m feeling actually good. I’m feeling sturdy and wholesome,” Story stated. “On the finish of the day, to me, it’s concerning the preparation. I do know I’m doing the fitting issues to have a profitable season. It’s been camp to this point. The accidents have been a bit of freakish. It’s nothing I may define.”
Story stated he wouldn’t have made it by way of the final three years with out his spouse, Mallie, whom he calls the rock of the household. They had been highschool sweethearts and have been married since 2018.
Trevor stated Mallie was unimaginable over the past three years. She was at all times encouraging. Mallie generally needed to remind her husband, “You’re good, too,” and factors him again to their religion “to the place we’re not answerable for this factor. Simply submit our plans, our timing and all of that to our Lord. Mallie has guided me lots in that means.”
Story’s constructive perspective has him considering large concerning the Purple Sox in ‘25. A comeback season from him would assist.
“We’ve plenty of nice expertise on this room and we’re coming collectively properly, so me enjoying properly might be a giant a part of our success,” he stated.
