Role
Trevor Story started 62 games at shortstop around a long absence. He went on the IL on May 16 with a sports hernia, had surgery, and didn't come back until Aug. 30. In 2027 he's the default starter at short in the last year of his deal, which pays him $25 million plus a $5 million buyout on the 2028 option (per MLB Trade Rumors). He also now has full no-trade rights.
Outlook
Before the injury he was hitting .206/.244/.303 with 57 strikeouts in 176 plate appearances. After he returned he hit .291/.322/.442 in 90. Savant's expected stats were less kind across the whole year (.248 expected wOBA against .272 actual), and his arm strength sat in the 16th percentile. A year earlier he played 157 games with 25 homers and 31 steals, so the healthy version still exists. He turns 34 in November.
Our take: the September line is the part to believe, at least for the bat. The range and arm at shortstop are another matter. MLB Trade Rumors names second base as his easiest fallback if top prospect Franklin Arias debuts in 2027, and we think that move happens by the second half.