The Boston Red Sox are already eight games below .500, and if things don't turn around quickly, they could be facing an early fire sale at the trade deadline. With three months still to go before the deadline, the front office doesn't have to make any snap decisions just yet. But if left-hander Ranger Suárez's hamstring injury keeps him out for an extended period, the team's playoff hopes could take a serious hit.

As currently constructed, Boston's roster simply doesn't look like a postseason contender. That's why FanSided's Cody Williams recently argued that the AL East club should strongly consider trading shortstop Trevor Story—a player he called "one of the worst hitters in baseball."

"Trevor Story is not one of the aforementioned up-and-comers," Williams wrote. "In fact, he's another piece that's standing in the way of a young guy like Marcelo Mayer, despite the fact that the latter has actually been the far better player this season, much less when looking to the future. Story made a ton of people, myself included, look silly for calling to DFA him after a rough start last season. But he's actively hurting a team trying to find any kind of footing to take off right now."

The 33-year-old is in the fifth season of a six-year, $140 million contract with the Red Sox. Boston holds a club option for 2028, but given Story's injury history and declining numbers, it's highly unlikely the front office will pick it up. Through 32 games, the two-time All-Star is hitting just .208/.245/.300 with two home runs and a 29.5% strikeout rate—numbers that have fans and analysts alike questioning his role on the team.

"Realistically, trading Story without taking on most of his contract is going to be hard," Williams added. "And maybe, if this doesn't turn around, designating him for assignment should be considered. But for a player who's supposed to be a leader on and off the field, seemingly not holding up his end of the bargain in either capacity is a tough pill to swallow."

For a Red Sox team looking to build around young talent like Marcelo Mayer, moving Story—even at a financial loss—might be the clearest path forward. Whether Boston pulls the trigger or waits to see if Story can turn things around, one thing is clear: this is a story worth watching as the trade deadline approaches.