The Boston Red Sox schedule is fast approaching and the franchise created a ton of excitement before Opening Day by signing All-Star shortstop Trevor Story to a six-year, $140 million deal.

Although he’s coming off an uncharacteristic season at the plate, the 29-year-old is one of the premier shortstops in the sport. He’s an electric hitter from the right side who slugs at a high level, frequently swipes bags and is a plausible fielder. The problem? This is a forced move for the Red Sox.

Here’s why Trevor Story is an ineffective signing for the Red Sox.

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How much better does Trevor Story make the Boston Red Sox?

Any MLB team is better with Trevor Story. That’s not the problem, here. This transaction is bizarre because the Red Sox didn’t need a shortstop or even another All-Star-caliber hitter.

Like Story, Xander Bogaerts is one of the best shortstops the sport has to offer. He’s also one of the long-standing members of this Boston core and arguably their most consistent hitter.

Now, Bogaerts has an opt-out in his contract after the 2022 MLB season. Perhaps the Red Sox think having Story play second base for a year and then supplanting Bogaerts in 2023 at shortstop is worthwhile?

The closest example to this is Trea Turner playing second base for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season and moving back to his natural position, shortstop, this season after Corey Seager signed with the Texas Rangers.