Trading Places: Should A Trevor Story-Marcelo Mayer Position Swap Be on the Red Sox's Radar?

[Ryan Salvaggio]

If you were to ask a Boston Red Sox fan to give you a list of some of their top contributing factors to the team's massively underwhelming start to the season, it would be a safe bet that the play of Trevor Story would fall near the top of every single one. Now, if you asked those same people to pick which aspect of Story’s game has frustrated them the most, 99% of them would probably say his hitting, choosing to focus on things like his abysmal slash line (.208/.222/.338) or astonishingly below-league-average chase (47.2%), strikeout (2.5%), and walk (29.6%) rates.

While Story’s continued offensive woes definitely deserve being called out, something that hasn’t been discussed nearly enough and is arguably just as, if not more, concerning is the rapid decline of his defensive capabilities at shortstop. With Story, anyone who has followed him throughout his career knows his streakiness at the plate comes with the name. But even with those inconsistencies, one thing he’s always been able to hang his hat on is his fantastic and at-times elite ability to pick it at short, where he owns a .977 career fielding percentage.

For a team that prioritized defense and run prevention in the offseason, something that has become a bit of a running joke among the fanbase on social media now as they’ve continued to falter, the writing of Story’s decline was plastered all over the wall towards the end of last season. He ended the 2025 campaign tied for the American League lead in errors (19, alongside the Yankees’ Anthony Volpe), and third for the most errors in baseball, only behind Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz (26) and Washington’s C.J. Abrams (22). Of those 19, 11 were of the throwing variety, clearly indicating what should’ve been a concern for the Sox. 

The advanced analytics don’t paint much of a better picture either. His -7 Defensive Runs Saved put him at fifth-worst in the big leagues a season ago. His Rthrow, or Infield Throwing Runs Above Average — which takes into consideration the number of runs above or below average the player was worth based on how he completes the play given where the ball was fielded, how hard it was hit, and the speed of the runner (courtesy of Baseball Info Solutions) — was -5, which put him tied for third-worst among all qualified shortstops in 2025 (and second among AL shortstops). Likewise, his 36th-percentile arm strength and -9 Outs Above Average were among the worst figures among all shortstops.   

Transition back to this season . and Story’s numbers don’t appear to be improving, but actually getting worse. His four errors so far, three of which came in the first nine games of the season, places him behind only Rays third baseman Junior Caminero for the most in all of baseball. Not to mention his .935 Fielding Percentage is on pace to be a career low, his -2 OAA is only getting worse by the day, and his arm strength has slipped further to the 21st percentile. Story’s latest miscue, a ball in which he ranged up the middle, dove for, and tried to flip to second baseman Marcelo Mayer that resulted in his glove sailing further than the ball did in a 13-6 loss to the Twins, might not be a better example that it may be time to make a change in the Red Sox middle infield and flip both Story and Mayer.

A move to second base shouldn’t come as an unfamiliar feeling to Story, who already went through the transition once in a Red Sox uniform when he played 94 games there in 2022 in his first year with the club. Of course, those circumstances were a little different with Xander Bogaerts still on the roster at the time. That being said, Story still thrived in the role, putting together one of the best defensive campaigns he’s ever had. His .984 Fielding Percentage was the second-best of his career in any healthy season, only behind the 2019 season where he finished with a .987.. His +6 Defensive Runs Saved was good for eighth-best among all second basemen league wide. Add in his 10 OAA, good for the 96th percentile in the league, and again second best of his career only behind 2019 where he had 18 with Colorado, and to say Story’s short-lived stint at second was downright elite might be an understatement. 

As for Marcelo Mayer, who has looked smooth at both third (.985%, 2 OAA in 39 games) and second (.974%, 2 OAA in 23 games) so far in his young career, a move back to his natural position of shortstop could give Boston an obviously younger option with the potential of more range and better arm strength. Such a flip would serve as a much-needed attempt to not only improve their defense, but take a step in the direction of righting what has quickly become a sinking ship and could only get worse if the defense continues to falter.

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[TedYazPapiMookie]

Ryan, you and your tag team partner Alan are "INVENTING" crap about Story in hopes of helping Mayer.  That's inappropriate as a writer.  Stick to FACTS not your spin to hurt one player and help another.  Story is a better defender than Mayer in his sleep!!!  

In the minors when Mayer played SS he had 928 total chances and made 44 errors for a fielding percentage of .953!!!!!!!!!!!  Enough said.

Story in the MLB has had 4031 total chances with 98 errors for a fielding percentage of .977 over the last 10 years.  Last year it was .970 and in 2024 it was .989.  Those are numbers that Mayer has never been close to based on a significant number of total chances.  You must be one of those guys like Alan who takes an incredibly insignificant number of games or plays and extrapolates it to suggest something that is completely untrue both from a mathematical perspective and a hind-sight 20/20 perspective.

Mayer should be in AAA based on both his hitting and fielding.  Story has started slowly and always improves as the weather warms up.  You story is totally bogus.

[mvp 78]

31 minutes ago, TedYazPapiMookie said:

Ryan, you and your tag team partner Alan...

At least get our writers' names correct. 

If the only thing you are going to use is fielding percentage, you are shooting yourself in the foot. Story has been DREADFUL since the beginning of September and it's not getting better. Every defensive metric, including fielding percentage, has Story as WORSE than Mayer right now. Story used to be better, but he has aged off the position. It's what happens to guys in their 30's. 

[Bellhorn04]

I expect it is on the radar and will likely happen soon.

[Old Red]

10 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

I expect it is on the radar and will likely happen soon.

Cora’s radar? It took Cora a long time to get Kike off SS, and he was just a stopgap.

[Bellhorn04]

21 minutes ago, Old Red said:

Cora’s radar? It took Cora a long time to get Kike off SS, and he was just a stopgap.

Yeah, just placing a bet, really.

[moonslav59]

35 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

I expect it is on the radar and will likely happen soon.

I seriously doubt it. Maybe in talks about 2027... MAYBE!

[moonslav59]

27 minutes ago, Old Red said:

Cora’s radar? It took Cora a long time to get Kike off SS, and he was just a stopgap.

Despite calling Kike one of the "best defensive SSs in MLB."

It seems some of his choices are based on disillusions.

[mvp 78]

26 minutes ago, Old Red said:

Cora’s radar? It took Cora a long time to get Kike off SS, and he was just a stopgap.

I think he waited a long time due to a lack of options early on more than anything else: 

Pablo Reyes

Christian Arroyo

Yu Chang

Bobby Dalbec

Not exactly good fallback options! 

[mvp 78]

2 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Despite calling Kike one of the "best defensive SSs in MLB."

It seems some of his choices are based on disillusions.

He didn't have much of a choice when you look at the '23 roster TBH. 

[moonslav59]

31 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

He didn't have much of a choice when you look at the '23 roster TBH. 

Yes, half the equation is having someone to play 3B, which...gasp...might have meant the Sox needing to have some foresight in the off season.

[Ryan Salvaggio]

3 hours ago, TedYazPapiMookie said:

Ryan, you and your tag team partner Alan are "INVENTING" crap about Story in hopes of helping Mayer.  That's inappropriate as a writer.  Stick to FACTS not your spin to hurt one player and help another.  Story is a better defender than Mayer in his sleep!!!  

In the minors when Mayer played SS he had 928 total chances and made 44 errors for a fielding percentage of .953!!!!!!!!!!!  Enough said.

Story in the MLB has had 4031 total chances with 98 errors for a fielding percentage of .977 over the last 10 years.  Last year it was .970 and in 2024 it was .989.  Those are numbers that Mayer has never been close to based on a significant number of total chances.  You must be one of those guys like Alan who takes an incredibly insignificant number of games or plays and extrapolates it to suggest something that is completely untrue both from a mathematical perspective and a hind-sight 20/20 perspective.

Mayer should be in AAA based on both his hitting and fielding.  Story has started slowly and always improves as the weather warms up.  You story is totally bogus.

Soooo.... the last time I checked, the analytics referenced in the article that clearly showcase a decline in Story's defensive ability are indeed facts.... since it's actual data that showcases he's been bad defensively. Not like those are made up or anything. He's also getting older.... players tend to decline when they get older, their abilities diminish, like his have been. So most teams and people thinking critically would see that, while also seeing a younger option that can step in and be solid there, when that should be the plan for the future before Franklin Arias gets here, and maybe consider it for the betterment of the team. 2024 Story also only played 26 games, kinda weird you left that out in your argument for him and it's not like I said to bench him, just move him to a spot that takes some pressure off him and where he was borderline elite before. If you'd prefer to keep running him out there though with his declining numbers over someone who's 10 years younger than him though to each their own I guess.  

[Alex Mayes]

44 minutes ago, Ryan Salvaggio said:

Soooo.... the last time I checked, the analytics referenced in the article that clearly showcase a decline in Story's defensive ability are indeed facts.... since it's actual data that showcases he's been bad defensively. Not like those are made up or anything. He's also getting older.... players tend to decline when they get older, their abilities diminish, like his have been. So most teams and people thinking critically would see that, while also seeing a younger option that can step in and be solid there, when that should be the plan for the future before Franklin Arias gets here, and maybe consider it for the betterment of the team. 2024 Story also only played 26 games, kinda weird you left that out in your argument for him and it's not like I said to bench him, just move him to a spot that takes some pressure off him and where he was borderline elite before. If you'd prefer to keep running him out there though with his declining numbers over someone who's 10 years younger than him though to each their own I guess.  

Ryan, what should our tag team name be? 

[drewski6]

25 minutes ago, Alex Mayes said:

Ryan, what should our tag team name be? 

Now we're getting into it on Wrestlemania weekend!  Best tag teams:

1. The Hardy Boys
2. The New Age Outlaws
3. The Acolytes / APA
4. Legion of Doom / The Road Warriors
5. The Usos
6. The Rockers
7. The Dudley Boyz
8. Demolition
9. The Hart Foundation
10. The New Day

[Ryan Salvaggio]

31 minutes ago, Alex Mayes said:

Ryan, what should our tag team name be? 

Hmmm, since we apparently are out to get Story right now I'm thinking either the "Story Slammers" or "Story Silencers" but definitely workshopping ideas 

[Alex Mayes]

1 hour ago, drewski6 said:

Now we're getting into it on Wrestlemania weekend!  Best tag teams:

1. The Hardy Boys
2. The New Age Outlaws
3. The Acolytes / APA
4. Legion of Doom / The Road Warriors
5. The Usos
6. The Rockers
7. The Dudley Boyz
8. Demolition
9. The Hart Foundation
10. The New Day

Was going to pan this list because I didn’t see The New Day at first glance, haha. 

[RedneckRedSoxFan]

I'm not convinced of Mayer. Yeah, he does slick things. Is he better than Monasterio (batting .263), or Izzy (batting .222), while batting .188? I THINK they all currently have OAA at +1 (but I can't find Monasterio's so maybe he didn't register at all).

Yes, they are all in a slump/slow-start. But we also have last year's averages for Mayer at .228. Is his last season's average an unrealistic expectation for 2026? I'd rather have Monasterio's batting average and get him at 2B and keep Story's bat and at SS.

So swap Mayer out, not Story.

What about 3B? For 3B, do i really want Mayer there? Or keep Durbin? Or look elsewhere at the Woo Sox? Durbin hit .256 in 2025. If my expectation of Mayer is his last year's avg for the expectation then Durbin would also have an expectation of .256. Winner to Durbin on that. And Durbin played a lot in The Show last year. 

I'm rather simplistic so my simplistic analysis tells me the Mayer expectations are not reality at this time. Maybe more time to solidify things and he will get there, and hopefully soon. But just looking at the early games there is nothing to me that justifies moving Story right now, and definitely not Mayer for Story. Instead, switch Monasterio for Mayer at 2B.

[moonslav59]

26 minutes ago, RedneckRedSoxFan said:

I'm not convinced of Mayer. Yeah, he does slick things. Is he better than Monasterio (batting .263), or Izzy (batting .222), while batting .188? I THINK they all currently have OAA at +1 (but I can't find Monasterio's so maybe he didn't register at all).

Yes, they are all in a slump/slow-start. But we also have last year's averages for Mayer at .228. Is his last season's average an unrealistic expectation for 2026? I'd rather have Monasterio's batting average and get him at 2B and keep Story's bat and at SS.

So swap Mayer out, not Story.

What about 3B? For 3B, do i really want Mayer there? Or keep Durbin? Or look elsewhere at the Woo Sox? Durbin hit .256 in 2025. If my expectation of Mayer is his last year's avg for the expectation then Durbin would also have an expectation of .256. Winner to Durbin on that. And Durbin played a lot in The Show last year. 

I'm rather simplistic so my simplistic analysis tells me the Mayer expectations are not reality at this time. Maybe more time to solidify things and he will get there, and hopefully soon. But just looking at the early games there is nothing to me that justifies moving Story right now, and definitely not Mayer for Story. Instead, switch Monasterio for Mayer at 2B.

Story sucks at SS, and he's been in decline on defense for a long enough time to believe the numbers.

He's tied for last in OAA. He's 17th out of 23 in DRS.

IMO, as long as Mayer is in the line-up (a separate issue) I'd play Mayer at SS and Story at 2B. If we replace Mayer with Cheng or Monasterio, I'd still keep Story at 2B. (Maybe not for Monasterio.)

[Duran Is The Man]

36 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Story sucks at SS, and he's been in decline on defense for a long enough time to believe the numbers.

He's tied for last in OAA. He's 17th out of 23 in DRS.

IMO, as long as Mayer is in the line-up (a separate issue) I'd play Mayer at SS and Story at 2B. If we replace Mayer with Cheng or Monasterio, I'd still keep Story at 2B. (Maybe not for Monasterio.)

it is truly insane that Cora has not yet done this. i'd fire him today for incompetence.

 

[Donnie Sadler was short]

I think long term it will end up Mayer at third, Arias at SS & Durbin at 2nd....sometime in 2027.

[moonslav59]

5 minutes ago, Donnie Sadler was short said:

I think long term it will end up Mayer at third, Arias at SS & Durbin at 2nd....sometime in 2027.

Could be, but Story is here in 2027, and he's still the best hitter of them all (not saying much.)

I'm not sure they flip-flop Durbin and Mayer from 3B to 2B.

Maybe...

2027:

SS Arias

2B Story (Mayer)

3B Mayer/Durbin platoon

2028:

SS: Arias

3B: Mayer or Durbin

2B: Durbin or Mayer

 

[RedneckRedSoxFan]

ok, I guess I have a blind spot. I just saw the play where Contreras gets the ball and throws to second to Story. Then, I saw the throw Story made back to first. The disparity in the power and speed between those two thrown balls was astounding. I may have been seeing something that wasn't there, but I could have sworn Contreras was upset at how slow the ball was thrown.

Yeah, Story's arm is...weak. No way to hide that anymore. Even if he were at 2B it would be an issue. 

Time to re-evaluate my simpleton analysis.

[Duran Is The Man]

32 minutes ago, RedneckRedSoxFan said:

ok, I guess I have a blind spot. I just saw the play where Contreras gets the ball and throws to second to Story. Then, I saw the throw Story made back to first. The disparity in the power and speed between those two thrown balls was astounding. I may have been seeing something that wasn't there, but I could have sworn Contreras was upset at how slow the ball was thrown.

Yeah, Story's arm is...weak. No way to hide that anymore. Even if he were at 2B it would be an issue. 

Time to re-evaluate my simpleton analysis.

you don't have one. we all see this but, unfortunately, Cora doesn't. he is the one with the blindspot.

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, RedneckRedSoxFan said:

ok, I guess I have a blind spot. I just saw the play where Contreras gets the ball and throws to second to Story. Then, I saw the throw Story made back to first. The disparity in the power and speed between those two thrown balls was astounding. I may have been seeing something that wasn't there, but I could have sworn Contreras was upset at how slow the ball was thrown.

Yeah, Story's arm is...weak. No way to hide that anymore. Even if he were at 2B it would be an issue. 

Time to re-evaluate my simpleton analysis.

Story has also slipped a little with the glove and range, but it's the arm that is the major issue.

Not only does he make to many bad throws, the slow throws don't show up on FLDG% or Error counts.

I actually like Story, and while the Ks are bothersome, he seems to get more than his fair share of RBIs, so I've lived with it. Ideally he bats 7th vs R and 6th v L, and plays 2B. Who plays 2B and 3B is a secondary issue.

[notin]

22 hours ago, Bellhorn04 said:

I expect it is on the radar and will likely happen soon.

I do not.  

Cora has shown reluctance to getting involved with telling veterans they need to move for the benefit of the team.  See Devers, Rafael…

[notin]

13 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

Story has also slipped a little with the glove and range, but it's the arm that is the major issue.

Not only does he make to many bad throws, the slow throws don't show up on FLDG% or Error counts.

I actually like Story, and while the Ks are bothersome, he seems to get more than his fair share of RBIs, so I've lived with it. Ideally he bats 7th vs R and 6th v L, and plays 2B. Who plays 2B and 3B is a secondary issue.

Well, according to fielding percentage, those are clearly not a problem.

But he does have decent right-handed power and is a good baserunner…

[notin]

14 hours ago, RedneckRedSoxFan said:

ok, I guess I have a blind spot. I just saw the play where Contreras gets the ball and throws to second to Story. Then, I saw the throw Story made back to first. The disparity in the power and speed between those two thrown balls was astounding. I may have been seeing something that wasn't there, but I could have sworn Contreras was upset at how slow the ball was thrown.

Yeah, Story's arm is...weak. No way to hide that anymore. Even if he were at 2B it would be an issue. 

Time to re-evaluate my simpleton analysis.

There was nothing wrong with that anslysis.  
 

StatCast has Story’s range in the 11th percentile and his arm in the 23rd percentile.  Honestly, I’m surprised the arm came in that high.  He simply isn’t a shortstop any more…

[notin]

17 hours ago, Donnie Sadler was short said:

I think long term it will end up Mayer at third, Arias at SS & Durbin at 2nd....sometime in 2027.

I’m hesitant to crown Arias anything yet, but certainly possible…

[notin]

On 4/17/2026 at 10:46 AM, mvp 78 said:

At least get our writers' names correct. 

 

Did you charge TYPM with an error?

[notin]

22 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

I think he waited a long time due to a lack of options early on more than anything else: 

Pablo Reyes

Christian Arroyo

Yu Chang

Bobby Dalbec

Not exactly good fallback options! 

Yu Chang was a stud defender…