His OPS+ last year was 104. I thought 100 was average. Plus hes a year older next year. I like Story, but I dont think hes a #2 hitter. If we get 2 bats, lets say suarez and alonso (playing in your sandbox), looking at:
RA (he cant hit lower because he doesnt get enough loft with his current profile, and I know its blasphemy to say that but its how I feel)
Alonso (we arent batting our best hitter fourth in 2026, its not 1996)
Suarez
Abreu
See I think we can REALLLY use one more very good bat in the top half. ANd I dont believe that "just good enough" is a thing with offense. I think top 3 in MLB or bust.
But this looks much better to me, and I agree we're getting close. Now give me this + keep Breggie, and pray to the injury Gods, and Im starting to really like it.
And I would be cool w flipping Duran for Ryan in this case because I dont love the thought of RA hitting anything other than leadoff.