Heading into the 2022 season, the Boston Red Sox made a significant move by signing free agent shortstop Trevor Story to a six-year deal worth $140 million. At first glance, it seemed like a shrewd decision. Story had just come off an All-Star-caliber career in Colorado and was set to team up with Xander Bogaerts to form one of the most formidable middle infields in baseball. While Story would primarily play second base, he would also serve as insurance at shortstop in case Bogaerts left via free agency after 2022, which ultimately happened.

Fast-forward to the Present: A Disappointing Situation

Three years later, the story has taken a turn for the worse. According to The Athletic, Story's deal is now regarded as one of the worst in baseball. In just 163 games over the past three years, his on-base percentage stands at a meager.296, and his OPS+ is 89. Despite a surprising return from a shoulder injury and hitting.270 with two home runs in September, which offered a glimmer of hope, the cumulative impact of his injuries has significantly dampened his performance. As the Red Sox strive to regain their competitive edge, they are now hoping that Story can stay healthy and rediscover his former form, especially as he enters his age-32 season.

On-Field Performance: A Disappointing Slump

Story's performance for the Boston Red Sox has been far from impressive. He has hit just.232 with the team and has managed only 21 home runs and 90 RBI. These numbers are a far cry from his earlier years when he hit 37 home runs in 2018 and 35 more in 2019. Despite his reputation as an excellent defender and having stolen 129 bases throughout his nine years in the majors, his batting average has been a cause for concern. The team is now left with the burden of this deal through 2027, barring a remarkable turnaround.

Opt-Out Clause: A Double-Edged Sword

Story does have the option to opt-out of his contract after this season. However, given his recent injury history and current performance, the chances of him taking this option seem slim. If he were to opt-out, the Red Sox would face a difficult decision regarding their infield situation. On the other hand, if he decides to stay, the team will have to rely on him to regain his form and contribute significantly to their playoff aspirations. This opt-out clause adds an extra layer of uncertainty to an already challenging situation.Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.