The completion of Trevor Story’s deal to join the Red Sox apparently hit a snag this week and was nearly in jeopardy of falling apart due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.
from ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Thursday, there were concerns that the agreement with Story – a six-year, $140 million contract – wouldn’t be finalized because the Red Sox’ new power-hitting second baseman was reluctant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Story’s signing with the Red Sox was initially reported on Sunday morning, but wasn’t officially announced until Wednesday morning, when he was introduced in a press conference. That delay was partly because of the vaccine issue, but on Tuesday, the concerns were alleviated as Story agreed to get vaccinated, according to ESPN.
Story confirmed to ESPN that he’ll be eligible to play all 162 games this season for the Red Sox – 10 of their games are in Toronto, where unvaccinated players are ineligible to play – but declined to elaborate on his decision.
“Itap a very personal matter,” Story said to ESPN. “Decisions like that are kept between me and my family. But with that being said, I’ll be available for my teammates 162-plus. Thatap the main part.”
