Sep 23, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox made a huge move this offseason to keep up with the ultra-competitive AL East, signing two-time All-Star shortstop Trevor Story to a massive six-year $140 million contract.

Story will fit right into a very talented infield for the Red Sox that includes two 2021 All-Star selections in Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers, making for one of the most dangerous infields in all of baseball.

He will reportedly make the move to a new position at second base for the team.

However, the deal almost fell apart between the Red Sox and Story due to Story’s reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. That’s as per ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan.

Story reportedly agreed that he would get vaccinated on Tuesday, ending any potential hiccup in the signing.

“It’s a very personal matter. Decisions like that are kept between me and my family,” Story told ESPN. “But with that being said, I’ll be available for my teammates 162-plus. That’s the main part.”

It seems that the Red Sox took Story’svaccination status very seriously when they considered signing the former Colorado Rockies shortstop.

Many AL East teams will do the same with the Toronto Blue Jays frequently on their schedule. Canada still has a mandate that will not allow unvaccinated players into the country, so it was certainly a big deal that Story decided to get the vaccine.

We can also look at the Brooklyn Nets as a cautionary tale for teams that are considering players that are not vaccinated in states with strict COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

NYC mayor Eric Adams announced on Thursday that athletes will no longer need to show proof of vaccination to play in New York City, but the mandates previously in place have clearly affected the Nets’ record this season, with Kyrie Irving only able to play in road games thus far.

Story being unavailable to play in games in Canada would also likely have a huge effect on the Red Sox going forward. But Story decided it was in the best interest of his family and his team to get the vaccine.

[ESPN]

About Reice Shipley

Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.