After the first three (disastrous) years of his Boston Red Sox contract, it was hard to believe fans could be excited about his choice to opt in to the final two years of the deal. One great season later, Story's decision to stick around is a relief.
After a resurgent season at the plate, Story has become one of Boston's most reliable and clutch hitters. He slashed .263/.308/.433 with a .741 OPS, 29 doubles, a team-leading 25 home runs, and 96 RBI over 157 games. He's also one of the few veterans in the Sox's relatively young clubhouse, a number which could shrink with the potential departure of Alex Bregman.