Red Sox weigh opt-outs for Story and Bregman as 40-man crunch grows

The Boston Red Sox head into the offseason facing a busy week of roster decisions after their postseason exit to the New York Yankees, with several opt outs, free-agent departures and roster moves due within days of the World Series' conclusion. Club leaders must decide whether to retain key veterans, address identified weaknesses in the lineup and rotation, and trim a 40-man roster that will swell once injured players are reinstated for spring.

Two of the most consequential deadlines arrive five days after the World Series. Shortstop Trevor Story and third baseman Alex Bregman each hold opt-out rights that would allow them to become free agents. Team officials have not confirmed either decision; sources say Bregman is widely expected to opt out and test the market, while the club is cautiously optimistic Story may remain under his current contract. Several other contracts will lapse immediately after the Series, including left-handers Steven Matz and Justin Wilson, starter Dustin May and outfielder Rob Refsnyder, all of whom will be free to sign elsewhere.

Pitching decisions also loom. Closer Liam Hendriks will reach a mutual option that the club is expected to decline,...