The floodgates are about to open on MLB free agency, and one of the top dogs entering the offseason who remains unsigned is Trevor Story.
The longtime Colorado Rockies shortstop surprisingly wasn’t traded last season, and now enters this offseason looking for a big payday but with some uncertainty around him.
Couple that with the fact that the shortstop market this offseason was robust, and things have been working against Story. And on the "Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney" podcast Thursday, Olney shared why there’s some skepticism around the league about Story.
"When it comes to Trevor Story, there are some teams wondering does the elbow issue he had last year that seemingly affected his throwing, is that someone who is going to need Tommy John?" Olney said. "I know he’s been throwing a ton, he’s trying to get in a better position and perhaps be in a spot where he could land someplace – I'm kind of watching the Dodgers on him.
"I think there’s a strong sense in the industry that Trea Turner is a short-timer with the Dodgers, that he’s not going to be a guy who’s going to be with them beyond 2022. The Dodgers need a shortstop. Maybe that’s Gavin Lux, maybe it is Trevor Story on a deal where he has an opt-out after one year."
Story only is entering his age-29 season, and at his best he can hit north of .290 and club more than 30 homers. His numbers plummeted last season though, as he hit just .251 with an .801 OPS. He also strikes out a ton and the concerns with his arm can’t be ignored.
With that all in mind, the best move for the Dodgers might well be plugging Story in at second base and seeing how the arm holds up while they still have Turner.
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