Red Sox Notes: Story, Arias, Casas

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow met with reporters Monday at the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas and would not commit to Trevor Story as the team's starting shortstop for the 2027 season. "We know what Trevor is capable of doing when he's healthy and performing. [Last season] was disrupted for a number of reasons — injury, some struggles at times. I think we're always evaluating these things," Breslow said, according to The Boston Globe. He added, "We still have a ton of confidence in Trevor. But any decisions like that are going to take place between Trevor and me far before I speak to anything publicly."

Story, who turns 34 on November 15, played only 64 games in 2026 and hit .235 with a .621 OPS. He missed nearly three and a half months from May 15 to August 30 due to sports hernia surgery. Since signing a six-year, $140 million contract before the 2022 season, Story has appeared in just 384 of a possible 810 games with Boston.

The uncertainty at shortstop coincides with the emergence of Franklin Arias, a 20-year-old prospect who turns 21 later this month. Arias posted a .957 OPS over 117 minor league games in 2026 and finished the season with Triple-A Worcester. "Figuring out his readiness [for the majors] and what the timeline looks like," Breslow said. "I think at this point we have to be open-minded about ways to improve the team."

Breslow described the Red Sox approach to the offseason as "opportunistic" in both the trade and free agent markets after the team finished 87-75 in 2026 and returned the bulk of its roster. "As you look around the field, there are major league-capable starters at most every position," he noted.

On the injury front, Breslow provided several updates. Left-hander Garrett Crochet, who made six starts before missing the rest of the season with shoulder inflammation, is close to beginning a throwing progression. "[He] spent the early part of this offseason just making sure that shoulder is strong and the range of motion is there," Breslow said. "We'll start his ramp up here shortly."

Outfielder Roman Anthony, limited to 55 games by an injured right hand, remains sidelined and will be evaluated in a few weeks before starting a strengthening program leading to hitting. First baseman Triston Casas, who has not played a major league game since May 2, 2025, has resumed baseball workouts and is expected to play for Licey in the Dominican Winter League, reporting in the next few days.

Infielder Caleb Durbin (left pinkie finger and right foot surgery), Curtis Mead (left wrist fracture), and Garrett Whitlock (fractured right tibia) are all progressing as expected. Additionally, the Sox re-signed right-handers Yordanny Monegro and Patrick Halligan to minor league contracts. Monegro, 24, returned from Tommy John surgery late in the season, striking out eight batters in six innings across High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland. Before his 2025 injury, he posted a 2.67 ERA and 36 percent strikeout rate for Portland. Halligan, 27, split 2026 between Portland and Triple-A Worcester with a 4.66 ERA and 31 percent strikeout rate.

Breslow also clarified the role of newly hired major league coach Shelley Duncan, who will coach first or third base and work with outfielders, describing him as "willing to speak hard truths" to players. Assistant GM Eddie Romero is simultaneously serving as chief baseball officer of the Santurce Crabbers in the Puerto Rican Winter League while maintaining his Red Sox duties.

Left-hander Payton Tolle finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting with 54 points, behind Detroit's Kevin McGonigle (204 points, 28 of 30 first-place votes) and Cleveland's Parker Messick (122 points, two first-place votes). Tolle credited pitching coach Andrew Bailey and the staff for developing his cutter and sinker.