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By Peter Chawaga
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Boston Red Sox will be looking to build on their first playoff berth in the last four years by making some upgrades to their roster before next season.
The team could be hunting for a new power bat to slot in at first base or a frontline starter to pair with Garrett Crochet. But before they can make too many changes, they’ll need some decisions from their veteran infielders.
First and foremost, third baseman Alex Bregman seems set to opt out of his contract after a stellar debut season in Boston. If and when he formally delivers that decision to the front office, the Red Sox will have to decide how much they are willing to pay to retain him.
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But another veteran infielder, Trevor Story, faces an opt out decision after a strong year as well. Though the front office will also have to wait to hear his formal decision on that opt out, team sources have indicated that they believe he will return, according to MassLive’s insider Chris Cotillo.
“Boston decision makers are — cautiously — quite optimistic that Story will opt in and play out the remaining two years and $55 million on his deal,” Cotillo wrote.
The idea of Story opting out might have been unthinkable after he disappointed in his first three seasons of a $140 million contract with the team. He struggled with injuries and was a far cry from his previous All-Star form at the plate.
But in this past season, Story played in 157 games and logged 161 total hits, his most in any campaign in the last six years.
As a result, Story might have considered opting out of his contract and testing the market as a free agent. But even after a strong season, that would be a bit of a gamble, as he’d have to find a pretty significant contract to earn more than he’s poised to make on his current deal.
And that could be what is giving the Red Sox so much optimism about his upcoming decision.
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