04/30/2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) hits a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Story this off-season watched Nolan Arenado, a Colorado Rockies retail franchise icon, immediately signaled that rebuilding was imminent. With the MLB trading deadline approaching and rumors circulating, Story counts the days before he leaves Colorado.

Story, a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, is one of the best shortstops in baseball. The 28-year-old is in the last year of his contract and will be one of the most sought-after free agents in December. Given the deals Fernando Tatís Jr. and Francisco Lindor signed, Story will have its selection of lucrative offers.

According to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post, Story does not intend to sign with the Rockies again this winter.

The organization under interim managing director Bill Schmidt wants to keep its best player for the time being. But once the story-hosted all-star game at Coors Field is over, aggressive front offices across the league could change the Rockies’ minds.

Connected: MLB Trade Rumors – Updates on the latest news, buzz during the 2021 season

Let’s examine three Trevor Story trading scenarios that could happen this summer.

Trevor Story was traded on the New York Yankees

No team is more desperate than the New York Yankees. Many expected this club to compete in the World Series in 2021 and at least reach the American League Championship Series. For more than a third of the season, the Yankees wouldn’t even qualify for the playoffs. New York’s line-up is one of the worst in baseball, and it takes an all-star talent that can be quickly brought to the top of the batting order.

  • Rockies received: Luis Gil (right-handed pitcher, NYY’s # 5 prospects), Josh Breaux (Catcher, NYY’s # 19 Prospectus), Tyler Wade
  • Yankees received: Trevor story

Colorado isn’t going to generate a monumental return, the days of teams overpaying for the half-term rental are over. Tommy La Stella (130 OPS + in 2020) chose a player the 2020 Oakland Athletics were ready for DFA (Franklin Barreto). Nicholas Castellanos went to the Chicago Cubs without any of the Cubs’ top 15 candidates going to the Detroit Tigers in 2019.

Story is superior to Castellanos and La Stella, but the point remains. The Rockies can either keep the story until the deadline and only make a compensating second-round selection in 2022, or they can take the chance on several interested parties from a quality system. The decision shouldn’t be that difficult. As for the Yankees, Story takes over on the shortstop and Gleyber Torres moves to the second base.

Oakland Athletics lands Trevor Story

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics generally do not hunt big game in the commercial market, the owner does not want to enter into additional financial obligations. But this team is open to a big step if the right player is available in the place where he is needed. So it’s no big surprise that MLB trading rumors suggest that the Oakland front office is overseeing Story.

  • Athletics receives: Trevor story
  • Rockies received: Daulton Jefferies (right-handed pitcher, OAK’s vantage point no.4), Brayan Buelvas (outfielder, OAKs No. 13 prospect)

Acquiring Story would be associated with significant financial costs for athletics. If he is acquired before the July 30 trading deadline, Oakland would have to cover approximately $ 9.25 million of his remaining salary. When the front office is ready to send a stronger return, Colorado can include cash. If the A’s are serious about fighting, story trading is the way to go.

Connected: MLB Power Rankings – New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals Collapse on Week 10

On paper, Story fits perfectly with athletics. Oakland’s shortstops began on June 7th with the fourth worst isolated performance (.097), the second worst OPS (.552) and the fewest defensive runs saved (-28). Let’s compare that to Story, who has a career with .868 OPS and .251 ISO. This type of position upgrade makes the difference between winning or losing in AL West.

Tampa Bay Rays join the lineup

Trevor storyIsaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Rays do not need to enter a Trevor Story trade. Wander Franco, the top perspective in MLBHe proves at Triple-A Durham that he belongs in the majors. The promotion of Franco would fill the void left by Tampa Bay’s current short stops, but this team could also cover some needs in a day.

  • Acquiring Rockies: Cole Wilcox (right-handed pitcher, TB’s lookout point no.9), Blake Hunt (Catcher, TBs No. 17 prospectus) and Brent Honeywell (right-handed pitcher, TBs No. 18 prospectus)
  • Acquire rays: Trevor story

Tampa Bay can add a Franco promotion to this blockbuster deal this summer. Story sticks to the shortstop, its natural position, and takes over at a point that totals 0.654 OPS and 0.286 OBP. As for Franco, he’s moving to the second base. Brandon Lowe (.192 BA, .673 OPS) can join the Rays outfield committee.

Given the immense pitching depth of Tampa Bay and its ability to draw and develop talent, they can afford this trade. The best thing for ownership is that it avoids long-term financial obligations.