The Colorado Rockies and shortstop Trevor Story haven’t come to the negotiating table to discuss a new contract, and while that leaves the slugger’s future with the organization up in the air, Story is focused on becoming a more vocal leader, improving his base stealing skills, working on his footwork, and attacking early-count fastballs this upcoming season.
“Yeah, it’s a contract year, but to me, every year is pretty much that way,” Story said, according to The Athletic’s Nick Groke. Story’s situation has been the talk of sports executives around the majors.
“I’m focused on personally being the best teammate I can be,” Story said, speaking to the media on Tuesday as the team began their full-squad workouts in Scottsdale, Arizona. “I try not to look too far ahead. I’m trying to be where my feet are, which is right here in spring training with the Rockies.”
Story, 28, is set to earn $18.5 million this season. Colorado has already dealt superstar Nolan Arenado in what seems to be a transitional stage for the franchise, which makes Story’s status with the team that much more uncertain.
“Sad for sure to lose a guy like that, lose a player like that,” Story said of the trade. “Happy for him that he’s going to be in a spot that he’s happy. A lot of whirlwind emotions. It’s tough to lose a guy like that.”
“Obviously, two different situations. I’m not here to just speak on what happened with Nolan or any type of things that went on with him and the front office or whatever it may be,” Story said of Arenado. “It’s a separate situation for sure. … We’ll see where it goes.”
The team is much different, but Story likes what he sees from this team so far.
“It’s a good vibe, though,” Story said, as part of the sports journalists coverage of his situation. “I feel like guys are excited to play ball. It opens up a lot of opportunities for some young guys. I think they’re ready to step into that challenge.”
Story is looking forward to taking over the mentorship role that Arenado held prior to his departure.
“That’s something that I’m going to embrace,” Story said. “I’m going to talk to the young guys and let them know that I’m here for them.”
Despite the changes, Story warns that the Rockies shouldn’t be dismissed this season.
“I feel like you count a group of competitors out like that at this level, at the major league level, you instantly put a chip on their shoulder,” Story said. “That’s kind of the attitude we’re coming in with.”
