Of all the teams pursuing free agent shortstop Trevor Story, the Cleveland Guardians are the most surprising. The Yankees, Cardinals, and Astros seem to be more likely landing spots if they finish as also-rans in the Carlos Correa sweepstakes.
Trevor Story possess the ability to hit for power and steal bases, a combination that is becoming less and less common. Story has 266 home runs and 100 stolen bases in six seasons, totaling 20 or more stolen bases in three of the last four seasons. The only season that Story did not reach at least 24 home runs was the 60 game season in 2020, which still saw Story lead the league in stolen bases (15) and triples (4).
Without even mentioning the financial aspect of it, because that will play a major factor, Cleveland already has a plethora of middle infielders in their organization. While none of them currently possess the ability of Trevor Story, moves would be required in order to accommodate this signing. Also, in order to maximize their roster, trades of middle infielders would be necessary in order to upgrade other positions.
While it does not seem incredibly likely that the Guardians end up with Trevor Story, at least showing interest is a sign that the team is looking to shed their cost and risk averse label. Whether that happens is a completely different story entirely.
