The Boston Red Sox have surged since freeing themselves of the biggest albatross contract on their books.

The team traded away franchise slugger Rafael Devers as well as more than $200 million left on his contract and, somehow, improved in the standings. It holds a slight lead over the rival New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card race thanks in large part to a strong young core of controllable talent.

But there are still some veteran stars with hefty contracts on the roster. Alex Bregman is on a three-year, $120 million deal, although he’s almost certain to opt out of that contract after a very strong year. And shortstop Trevor Story has a six-year, $140 million contract, though he’s likely to stick with it even after his own resurgent season.

“This is Story’s best and healthiest season,” Mike Axisa noted for CBS Sports. “Story, 33 in November, can opt out of the final two years and $55 million remaining on his contract.”

Given that he’s batting .256 with 18 homers and 20 stolen bases so far this year, which are all his best marks since first signing his deal with the Red Sox, perhaps Story is tempted to return to free agency for a final chance at a significant new contract. But Axisa predicted he would steer clear of his opt out, given his lengthy injury history.

“I have a hard time believing he will pass that up, especially since he would open himself up to a pre-signing physical as a free agent after having major elbow and shoulder surgery within the last 2 1/2 years,” Axisa wrote.

It seems likely that the remaining $55 million he’s owed from the Red Sox would at least match anything else he might find on the open market, particularly if an injury evaluation scares off other teams. The Red Sox also have a $25 million club option on his deal after that, though it would take a remarkable resurgence for exercising that to become a realistic decision down the line.

More MLB: Cubs Predicted to Make $57 Million Shota Imanaga Move Despite ‘Red Flags’