Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story hopes to play again in 2024

Trevor Story hopes to play for the Red Sox again this year.

The 31-year-old didn’t rule out a 2024 return when speaking to reporters Friday. Story underwent shoulder surgery just over three months ago. After the surgery, the team said he would be out for six months.

“We’re discussing it right now,” Story said when asked about the possibility of playing again this season, according to The Boston GlobeAlex Speier: “It’s too early to say whether that’s going to happen or not, but I always have in the back of my mind that it’s something that, obviously, if there’s a chance to play in the playoffs, that’s why I came to Boston.”

“So I think we’re very diligent in the process, we’re respectful and we don’t do anything without my body saying yes. It’s too early to tell, but obviously it would be great if I could do it.”

The shortstop’s 2024 season came to an abrupt end on April 5 against the Los Angeles Angels when he injured his shoulder after diving to his left to stop a ground ball. Story was eager to play a full season again after missing most of the 2023 season recovering from a torn right lumbar collateral ligament.

Instead, he suffered another serious illness as a member of the Red Sox, this time after just eight games into the year.

After Story’s latest injury, there was a general sense of desperation as Boston looked to give the player his first full, healthy season since signing for the 2022 season.

The team had already seen several key players sidelined by injuries before the season began. Newly-signed starting pitcher Lucas Giolito underwent elbow surgery in March, new second baseman Vaughn Grissom was sidelined for an extended period with a hamstring issue before making his debut, and Rafael Devers missed games in the Red Sox’s season opener with a lingering shoulder issue. Then, just days before Story’s surgery, Nick Pivetta was placed on the injured list with a sprained elbow.

Still, Boston quickly exceeded expectations and continued to win despite the devastating injuries the team faced early in the season. Rookie Ceddanne Rafaela played 48 games at shortstop and played above average offensively and defensively in Story’s place.

If Boston makes the playoffs and competes through October, it appears Story wants to play if the team’s medical staff allows him to. After his latest injury, he explained the frustration he felt at not being able to contribute as much as expected as a member of the Red Sox.

Story signed a six-year, $140 million contract with Boston in March 2022. He has yet to play 100 games in a season for the team, appearing in just 145 games since joining the team.

Given Rafaela’s ability to also play center field, the Red Sox could easily slot Story at shortstop if the team deems him capable of competing in the field.