The Boston Red Sox bolstered their middle infield when they signed free agent shortstop Trevor Story to a six-year deal worth $140 million. Story figures to slide over to second base, with incumbent shortstop Xander Bogaerts having established himself at the position. It's a potential problem that Boston won't have to worry about, as Bogaerts made it clear that he was very welcoming of Story. However, that's not the only potential problem that emerged regarding the Red Sox and Story. In fact, ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the deal between the two parties nearly fell through for this reason.

Passan reports that Trevor Story was initially hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine, causing concerns that the deal with the Red Sox would collapse. However, the former Colorado Rockies star eventually agreed to receive the vaccine and sealed the deal with Boston.

Story declined to comment on why he had remained unvaccinated previously, though his status in regard to the jab will now allow him to suit up in each of the Red Sox's games, including those played in Toronto against the Blue Jays.

This is even better news for Boston, who will benefit from consistently having Story's bat in the lineup. The former Rockies shortstop has averaged 34 homers, 101 runs, 98 RBI and 22 stolen bases while batting .272 per 162 games for his career.

It's also a positive step for one of the least vaccinated teams of 2021.