This Development Of Trevor Story’s Red Sox Return Impressed Alex Cora

BOSTON -- Trevor Story appeared to have his season come to an end in early April when the Red Sox shortstop fractured his shoulder against the Los Angeles Angels.

Originally believed to be season-ending, Story entered the Red Sox clubhouse at Dodger Stadium after the All-Star break with a determination to play again in 2024.

That came true for Story when he took the field for the Red Sox on Sept. 7 and provided important play down the stretch. Story hit .270 with a .790 OPS in 18 games and also added his key leadership to a young Boston club. Alex Cora found himself impressed with that effort from Story, especially without many rehab games to get back in a groove.

"What he did this year was amazing," Cora told reporters. "When he was laying on the ground in Anaheim, I was like, 'No chance he's gonna play.' We get the news later on that he ain't playing until next year. Then, he showed up in LA and said. 'I'm playing.'"

Story shared at Winter Weekend in January how happy he was to have a normal offseason to prepare and feel comfortable with the Red Sox. That remains the hope to repeat that pattern for Story this winter.

"Normal offseason, just like last year," Cora said. "Attack the right way. There are some things offensively that we do believe are working. I expect him to be ready and playing shortstop in Arlington in the first game next year."

Story did not start in Sunday's season finale for the Red Sox against the Tampa Bay Rays, which Cora described as a "manager's decision" to keep him healthy heading into 2025 for Boston.

"I expect him to be a big part of the lineup next year," Cora added.