What's Next For Red Sox, Trevor Story After $55M Opt-In Decision
This offseason is like one giant jigsaw puzzle for the Boston Red Sox. On Tuesday, a crucial piece fell into place.
Shortstop Trevor Story was arguably the Red Sox's most valuable position player this year. He was so good, in fact, that discussion sparked about whether the 32-year-old would opt out of the final two years and $55 million on his contract.
Those discussions became a moot point, though, when Story's reported decision came down on Tuesday.
Story opts in, returns for final two years in Boston
According to multiple reports, including one from Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Story chose to opt into the final two years of his deal. Boston could have voided his opt-out by adding a third guaranteed year to his deal, but that decision no longer needs to be made.
The Red Sox also retain their $25 million club option for Story in 2028, which comes with a $5 million buyout (part of the $55 million he's already guaranteed).
It looks like a weak shortstop market this winter, with Bo Bichette and Ha Seong Kim the only other big names to consider. But Story's value was always going to be difficult to determine after injuries shortened his seasons every year from 2022 to 2024, and besides, the veteran has unfinished business in Boston.
There are still conversations to be had and big decisions to be made. Story's defense fell off sharply this year, particularly in September, and a long-term move to second base may be in his best interests. Then, there's the matter of Alex Bregman's free agency and how his return (or departure) could affect Story's position.
But the most important thing to note is that the Red Sox just returned a hitter who led the team in home runs (25), RBIs (96), and stolen bases (31) this year. Even if he chases too much and isn't a great shortstop defender anymore, no team wants to lose that much raw production while they're trying to open up a championship window.
Plus, Story's return helps offset some of the uncertainty that comes with potentially trading an outfielder. Jarren Duran, who had his contract situation worked out for the 2026 season on Tuesday,is a trade candidate and would have been the team's only everyday stolen base threat if Story had left.
Story is back, and now, Red Sox fans can wait to see which free agents or trade arrivals join him.
Garrett Crochet Reacts Strongly to White House Using Taylor Swift Song as Background Music for TikTok Video, Sparking Online Fury
Garrett Crochet, the standout pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, has made headlines after reacting strongly to the White House using a Taylor Swift song as background music for a video posted on their official TikTok account. The choice of song has sparked a frenzied debate online, with many fans and critics weighing in on the controversial move, bringing up past tensions between the Swift and Trump camps.
In a tweet that quickly went viral, Crochet called the decision “unbelievable,” saying, “Using a Taylor Swift song for a political video is a whole new level of disrespect. What are they thinking? Her music isn’t a prop for political agendas. This isn’t just about music – it’s about how this situation has been handled poorly.”
The video in question, which was posted to the White House’s TikTok account, featured the song “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift. While the clip aimed to highlight certain policies and initiatives, the choice of the song did not sit well with many, especially since Swift has been one of the more vocal critics of former President Donald Trump.
Crochet’s tweet ignited a firestorm of online reactions, with Swift’s supporters expressing frustration that her music was being used in this context. Some fans pointed to the long-running and highly publicized feud between Taylor Swift and Trump, which dates back several years, as a reason why this particular song choice felt out of place. Swift has consistently opposed Trump’s politics and even publicly endorsed his political opponents in past elections.
“The irony here is off the charts,” said one Twitter user. “The White House knows exactly what they’re doing, and it’s disrespecting Taylor Swift’s voice by using her song in a campaign video. This is nothing less than a slap in the face to everything she’s stood for.”
The tensions between Swift and Trump are well-documented. Swift has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s policies, particularly his stance on social issues, and has even gone so far as to endorse his political adversaries. Trump, in turn, has criticized Swift on several occasions, calling her out on Twitter and mocking her for her political opinions.
The choice of Swift's song seems to have amplified these existing divides, as the TikTok video was quickly viewed as yet another political move aimed at manipulating Swift’s brand and public image for a certain agenda. Swift’s fans and political opponents of Trump were quick to point out that the singer’s music should not be used for political purposes without her consent.
In response to the backlash, the White House has not issued a formal statement regarding the controversy. However, the incident has brought even more attention to the already divisive political atmosphere, with both sides of the political spectrum using the situation as fuel for further discussions about celebrity influence in politics.
Garrett Crochet’s response has not been the only one, as countless others have chimed in, with many questioning the ethics of using an artist’s work without their permission, particularly when it concerns polarizing figures like Trump and Swift.
“This entire situation is a reminder that even something as simple as music can stir up emotions,” one political analyst noted. “In today’s climate, every move, every song, every tweet is scrutinized, and people are increasingly aware of the narratives behind these actions.”
As the debate rages on, the drama between the White House, Taylor Swift, and the ongoing political tensions is far from over. Whether or not the White House will change its approach to using popular music in future content remains to be seen, but for now, the conversation continues to spark intense reactions across social media platforms.
