Boston Red Sox: 3 bold predictions for the 2022 season
Boston Red Sox bold prediction No. 3: Trevor Story will hit 40 home runs
The Red Sox kept quiet for most of free agency, but they salvaged what was looking to be a fairly awful offseason period with the signing of Trevor Story. Story, a shortstop by trade, will be making the switch to second base to solidify Boston’s infield. If Bobby Dalbec can build off his solid finish to the 2021 season, the Sox could lay claim to the best infield grouping in the league.
But that’s a discussion for another time; for now, we are going to talk about how Story is going to mash 40+ homers in his first season with the Red Sox. On the surface, it seems like a pretty outlandish take; after all, this is a column about bold predictions for the Sox. But a deeper dive shows it’s not as insane as it may seem, and it may end up being the most likely prediction here.
Story is widely regarded as one of the best power hitting middle infielders in the league, and for good reason. Aside from the COVID shortened 2020 season, Story has hit at least 24 home runs in every season he’s played at the major league level. Admittedly, he did benefit from playing half his games each season at Coors Field with the Colorado Rockies, which just so happens to be one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the league.
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But Fenway Park isn’t that bad either, especially for right handed hitters who can elevate the ball enough to eclipse to Green Monster in left field. Story, a notorious pull hitter, has a swing custom made for Fenway. It may not be the friendly confines of Coors Field, but it’s a pretty close second, especially for a hitter like Story.
Story is coming off a down year thanks in part to an elbow injury, but he is fully healthy now. Considering he won’t have to tax his arm as much with long throws across the diamond now that he is at second base, Story should be counted on to be a consistent source of production all season long. He’s hit 37 and 35 home runs in single seasons before, and he will finally surpass the 40 homer total during his first season in Boston.