FORT MYERS, Fla. — With Alex Bregman signing a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Red Sox confront a significant leadership gap within their clubhouse. Bregman, known for his nine consecutive postseason appearances, had served as both a leader and mentor, guiding younger players and veterans alike in hitting and winning approaches.
Alongside Bregman, Rob Refsnyder, a veteran leader for the past four seasons, has also exited Boston to join the Seattle Mariners. Their departures leave the Red Sox in search of players ready to fill the critical roles these leaders held.
Trevor Story’s Emerging Role in Filling the Leadership Void
Remaining with the team after opting into the final two years of his $55 million contract, Trevor Story is now expected to shoulder a greater leadership responsibility. He co-led with Bregman and Refsnyder last season and acknowledges the challenges ahead.
It was tough losing two guys like that,
Story said Friday at JetBlue Park.
Those guys are great people, great teammates, great players, brought a lot to our team. So we have to figure out a way to make the leadership go around a little bit. And I think some of these guys have to step up.
Story identified teammates he believes will rise to the occasion.
I think based on tenured guys, we’ll look at guys like myself or Chappy (Aroldis Chapman),
he explained.
There’s different ways to do it. I think Jarren (Duran) is gonna take a big step in that, as he did last year. So it’s good, man. I guess it’s a good problem to have when you have guys that are coming up and they have to kind of grow into the player and the leader that you expect them to be.
Story’s Leadership Hampered by Injuries, Now Fully Active
Since joining the Red Sox before the 2022 season, Story has demonstrated leadership potential. However, his influence was limited during the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to injuries that restricted him to just 69 combined games. In contrast, the 2025 season saw him participate in 157 games, allowing him to take a more active leadership role.
I’ve always felt comfortable (leading), but it just means more and it matters more when you’re out there healthy, playing and you can post with the guys,
Story said.
That’s the main thing. It’s tough to do it from the sidelines when you’re hurt or injured. So I think it may just carry a little bit more weight now.
Impact of This Leadership Transition on the Red Sox Outlook
The departures of Alex Bregman and Rob Refsnyder mark a turning point for the Red Sox as they recalibrate their clubhouse leadership. With Trevor Story stepping forward alongside veterans such as Aroldis Chapman and rising players like Jarren Duran preparing to mature into additional leadership roles, the team aims to sustain a competitive culture.
How well these emerging leaders fill the void will shape the Red Sox’s cohesion and success in coming seasons. Story’s health and active presence are critical factors that can influence his impact on the team’s dynamic during the 2025 season and beyond.
