BOSTON — Trevor Story’s precision and timing on the basepaths have become a pivotal element of the Boston Red Sox’s recent surge. Known for his calculated approach, Story has displayed outstanding base-stealing efficiency this season, contributing significantly to the team’s unexpected seven-game winning streak and improved standings. His consistent success in stealing bases has made him a standout threat on the field.
Story’s reputation as a strategic baserunner comes from a career-long commitment to avoiding outs on the bases. With 144 stolen bases in his career and only 36 times caught, he boasts an 80 percent success rate. This year, he is flawless, having stolen 15 bases without being thrown out once. His focus is not on volume but on maximizing the impact of each steal to propel his team forward. So far, eight of his stolen bases this season have directly translated into runs scored.
How Story Maintains a Perfect Stealing Record
Story attributes much of his success to instinct and an aggressive mindset.
“I think a lot of it for me is instinctual,”
he explained.
“Like you can almost feel it happening before it takes place. And, like, stealing bases is a mindset. So you have to be, it’s an aggressive mindset, you know, you can’t be timid, you can’t be scared.”
His fearlessness is evident in how he takes more aggressive leads, often stepping further off the base than most players to gain an edge, trusting his physical ability and quick reaction to avoid pickoff moves.
He also emphasized the importance of reading pitchers’ pickoff attempts, considering it “a lost art” that can earn crucial fractions of a second needed to beat a throw.
“I mean, it kind of starts with the lead,”
Story said.
“And, I mean, a lot of it depends on the guy’s pickoff move and if I have to respect it or not. I think it’s kind of a lost art. It’s a place where maybe you can get a half step and create that time at second where you beat it just by hair. I think that’s kind of a big part of my game.”
Team Support and Preparation Behind Story’s Success
Beyond raw talent and instinct, Story’s base-stealing prowess is supported by extensive preparation with the Red Sox coaching staff. First base coach Jose Flores highlighted their use of video analysis to study pitcher tendencies, offering players insights to increase their chances of successful steals.
“We do a lot of studying,”
Flores said.
“Watching videos and studying tendencies on the pitchers. Anything that we can pick up that we can provide the right info for the guys to take advantage of, we do that. And Trevor is one to be one of those guys that picks up things really fast, and he’s been able to take advantage of it.”
The Red Sox as a whole demonstrate an 80 percent stolen base success rate this season, ranking sixth in the league with 81 stolen bases. Efficiency supersedes volume in their approach, which complements Story’s individual excellence on the basepaths.
Trevor Story’s Offensive Revival Boosts the Red Sox
Story’s recent improvement at the plate has also been critical to Boston’s turnaround. Around a month and a half ago, his batting line was underwhelming at .217/.264/.319 with a .582 OPS. Red Sox manager Alex Cora acknowledged the early struggles, saying,
“It looked like it wasn’t going to happen.”
Since then, Story’s hitting has surged dramatically, posting a .295 batting average, .327 on-base percentage, and .541 slugging percentage with nine home runs, resulting in an .868 OPS overall. Over the last 30 games, his OPS has climbed to an impressive .935, reflecting a player hitting his stride and resembling the formidable hitter he was with the Colorado Rockies.
This offensive upswing has coincided with the Red Sox’s dramatic improvement in the standings. The team has gone 20-10 during this stretch, moving from five games below .500 to five games above at 50-45, and securing the American League’s third wild-card slot.
Story’s Impact Highlighted in Key Victory Over the Rays
Story’s base-stealing efficiency was on display in a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night. Trailing 3-1 in the eighth inning, Story’s leadoff walk against reliever Bryan Baker ignited a pivotal four-run rally that sealed the win and extended the Red Sox’s winning streak to seven games.
“He sees the videos we provide,”
Flores said.
“The info for him in order to be in a good position to succeed and he’s been able to take advantage of that so his success rate is pretty much perfect.”
Broader MLB Updates Affecting Teams and Playoffs
While the Red Sox ascend, other Major League Baseball teams face their own challenges and stories. The Baltimore Orioles, sitting 6½ games out of a playoff spot with a 42-50 record, confront debates over a possible trade deadline sell-off despite a talented roster and recent postseason success. General Manager Mike Elias is under pressure after failing to secure additional pitching last offseason, which has contributed to recent struggles.
The Miami Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcantara has experienced an alarming drop in performance, surrendering six runs on nine hits in his latest start and posting a 7.22 ERA, the highest in the majors over 18 starts. These difficulties hurt the Marlins’ trade value and playoff chances.
The New York Yankees recently designated veteran DJ LeMahieu for assignment, ending his time in the Bronx amid lineup adjustments that moved Miguel Andújar back to second base. Reports indicate LeMahieu struggled with a reduced bench role before the decision.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies, considered the worst team in MLB this season with a 21-72 record, are on pace to surpass the White Sox’s modern-era record for most losses in a single season. To avoid setting a new low, the Rockies still need to post a winning percentage above .304 for the remainder of the year.
Significance of Story’s Efficiency and What Lies Ahead for the Red Sox
Trevor Story’s precise and aggressive base-stealing has not only enhanced his individual value but also energized the Red Sox’s lineup and overall team performance. This blend of preparation, instinct, and consistent execution reflects a player flourishing after overcoming injuries, providing the club with a crucial weapon down the stretch. As Boston maintains its playoff position, Story’s skill in turning stolen bases into scoring opportunities could prove vital in the crowded American League wild-card race.
With Story at his peak and the Red Sox riding a strong winning streak, the team’s ability to capitalize on timely baserunning and offensive production will be key factors to watch in the coming weeks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Trevor Story healthy?
A. Trevor Story dealt with many injuries over the last three seasons, even playing only 26 games last year. However, this year he’s managed to participate in 48 out of the first 51 games for the Red Sox.
Q. What religion is Trevor Story?
A. Personal life: Story married Mallie Crow, his high school girlfriend, on November 16, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. Just two days after joining the Red Sox, they had their first child. Story follows the Christian faith.