Story showing he's healthy with strong start to spring

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Shortstop Trevor Story hasn¡¯t had much luck since he signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Red Sox before the start of the 2022 season. Before going to Boston, being available was his M.O. during his six years with the Rockies. It earned Story two All-Star appearances and two Silver Slugger awards.

But during his first three seasons in Boston, Story, 32, has missed 298 games in the past three seasons and has had four stints on the injured list. In his first season in Beantown, Story was limited to 94 games because of injuries to his right hand and left foot. In ¡®23, he missed all but 43 games because of right elbow reconstruction. Last April, Story had a freak injury. He missed 133 games because of a left shoulder injury which was caused after making a diving attempt to field a ground ball hit by Angels outfielder Mike Trout.

In the three years as a member of the Red Sox, Story has a slash line of .232/.296/.397 with a combined 21 home runs, 90 RBIs and 210 strikeouts. However, it appears Story is on the verge of having a nice comeback season. In year four -- granted, it¡¯s Spring Training -- Story is off to a great start. Entering Sunday¡¯s action against the Braves, Story is 10-for-21 (.476) with two home runs and five RBIs. Those two homers came Friday against the Marlins. Manager Alex Cora noticed a difference in Story¡¯s swing.

¡°He is swinging the bat better. [He is] on time on the fastball and, if they hang something in the zone, he has been hitting it hard,¡± Cora said. ¡°Somebody [in the dugout] said, ¡®Save those swings for the season.¡¯ I disagree. He needs [to swing like] that. He had too much swing and miss, but throughout camp, he has been making contact, which is great.¡±

Story agrees with Cora¡¯s assessment when it comes to being consistent at the plate. Story is looking to be more selective in the batter¡¯s box and put the ball in play. He believes his consistency at the plate first came after he returned to action for the final month of the ¡®24 season. Story had a slash line of .270/.361/.429. He is focused on hitting the ball all over the place. It will make him a complete hitter, he believes.

¡°My in-the-zone contact is better. That goes back to last year,¡± Story said. ¡°It¡¯s just simplifying my swing and being able to get it off whenever I want. It has been a focus.¡±

Most of all, Story wants to stay healthy for the first time since 2021, which was his last season with the Rockies.

¡°Obviously, health plays a big factor in that. I¡¯m feeling really good. I¡¯m feeling strong and healthy,¡± Story said. ¡°At the end of the day, to me, it¡¯s about the preparation. I know I¡¯m doing the right things to have a successful season. It¡¯s been a good camp so far. The injuries have been a little freakish. It¡¯s nothing I could outline.¡±

Story said he wouldn¡¯t have made it through the last three years without his wife, Mallie, whom he calls the rock of the family. They were high school sweethearts and have been married since 2018.

Trevor said Mallie was incredible during the last three years. She was always encouraging. Mallie sometimes had to remind her husband, ¡°You are good, too,¡± and points him back to their faith ¡°to where we are not in control of this thing. Just submit our plans, our timing and all of that to our Lord. Mallie has guided me a lot in that way.¡±

Story¡¯s positive attitude has him thinking big about the Red Sox in ¡®25. A comeback season from him would help.

¡°We have a lot of great talent in this room and we are coming together nicely, so me playing well will be a big part of our success,¡± he said.