Red Sox’s Alex Cora Setting Out Lofty Goal For Trevor Story

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story hasn’t exactly been the model of consistency since joining the organization in 2022.

Story has seen his total output dip year over year, playing in 163 of a possible 486 games over the last three seasons. Boston has scrambled to find replacements for him throughout that period, with the likes of Christian Arroyo, Yu Chang, Kiké Hernández, David Hamilton and Ceddanne Rafaela all being thrown into the fire because of it.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora still has high expectations for Story, though, sharing his overall message when speaking to reporters on Saturday.

“Just go out there and play 150-something games,” Cora said, as seen on NESN.

Story has reached that mark just once in his nine seasons, for those counting at home. Cora is still unfazed in his belief that the 32-year-old can be a consistent contributor, though.

“You can’t control diving in the hole and breaking your shoulder,” Cora said. “You can’t control getting hit in the hand, you know? It’s not like he’s pulling a (hamstring) or a groin or whatever. It’s serious injuries, so the goal is for him to play 150-something and help us win ballgames.”

Cora had an explanation for his lofty goal, sharing that the presence of routine off-days would go a long way in helping the veteran infielder get the rest he’ll need to stay healthy. Boston plays on just a single Thursday throughout June and July, giving the club built-in breaks.

The Red Sox also signed quite the double-play partner for him, with Alex Bregman’s introductory press conference scheduled for Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET at Fenway South.

Bregman, his agent Scott Boras, team president Sam Kennedy, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora will be available to the media. You can check out the news conference on NESN and NESN 360 — with more updates throughout spring training on “310 To Left.”