Cora: Story likely the best defensive 2nd baseman in MLB
BOSTON — When Trevor Story signed with the Red Sox in March, there were several questions. Notable among them: How would he handle changing positions?
Story never played a defensive position other than shortstop in his first six big-league seasons with the Colorado Rockies. But with franchise shortstop Xander Bogaerts already in Boston, he had to switch to second base.
Story was comfortable with the change. He played second base in the minor leagues and played on that side of the base often in the majors thanks to shifts, so he understood some of the details.
More than halfway through June, Story’s transition is going just fine.
And after he made some outstanding defensive plays in the Red Sox’ 6-5 victory over the Cardinals on Friday night, manager Alex Cora had a claim he wanted to share.
“Right now, I can say that probably he’s the best defensive second baseman in the big leagues,” Cora said.
Cora could say that with some confidence after his performance Friday, which included several impressive plays.
The first came in the third inning, when Harrison Bader hit a sharp grounder up the middle but Story was in position to make a diving stop to his right before getting up to fire a perfect throw to Franchy Cordero at first for the out.
An inning later, Paul Goldschmidt hit another laser up the middle. This time Story ranged to his left out of the shift to scoop the ball on the run before spinning and getting Goldschmidt out at first.
“I’ve played with some good defenders, and the combination of being quick and fast, not too many guys have that,” Cora said. “He gains ground. He does. I know a lot of people had their doubts with the throwing part of it. He’s been money. Money. On the run, taking his time . ... He made all those plays . ...
“I know it’s been a grind for him, but he doesn’t take a play off.”
The Red Sox’s infield defense has significantly improved this season.
Bogaerts and Rafael Devers have been much better than they’ve been in the past, but Story’s play at second might be the biggest reason why. His six defensive runs saved rank in the top five of second baseman in baseball, and he’s made just three errors in 58 games.
His presence — and as Cora suggested, his quickness and range — has had a significantly positive domino effect on the rest of the infield.
“Trying to make a play,” Story said Friday. “We wear those shirts, ‘make a play,’ for a reason. That’s what we’re trying to do out there. It was fun.”