Breslow Leaves Red Sox Shortstop Decision Open

Craig Breslow said the Red Sox have confidence in Trevor Story but have not settled who will play shortstop next season. Speaking in Las Vegas on November 9, the team’s chief baseball officer said decisions about the position would be discussed with Story before being made public, and that Boston remained open to ways of strengthening its roster.

Story, who turns 34 on Sunday, appeared in 64 games last season and batted .235 with a .621 OPS. A sports hernia operation kept him on the injured list from May 15 through August 30. Since signing a six-year, $140 million deal before the 2022 season, he has played 384 of the 810 games available to him with Boston.

Franklin Arias, 20, finished last season at Triple-A Worcester after posting a .957 OPS across 117 minor-league games. Breslow said the club is assessing Arias’s readiness and possible timetable for the majors. The Red Sox finished 87-75 and expect to bring back most of their roster.

Boston left-hander Payton Tolle placed third in American League Rookie of the Year voting, behind Kevin McGonigle and Parker Messick. Breslow also said Garrett Crochet was nearing the start of a throwing buildup after shoulder inflammation ended his regular season. Roman Anthony remains out while his injured right hand is evaluated; Triston Casas has resumed baseball workouts and is expected to join the Dominican Winter League’s Licey team in the coming days.