With the beginning of the 2026 season lower than per week away, the Boston Red Sox have lastly made certainly one of their largest roster selections.
Crimson Sox supervisor Alex Cora announced on Saturday that Marcelo Mayer will start the 12 months because the group’s beginning second baseman. Kristian Campbell, who was Boston’s beginning second baseman on Opening Day in 2025, has been optioned to Triple-A.
Mayer, 23, was drafted fourth total by the Crimson Sox in 2021. He was considered by many as the highest total prospect in his draft class. Mayer made his MLB debut in Might 2025 after Alex Bregman suffered an harm, and the outcomes have been blended.
Marcelo Mayer had a irritating first season
Although he’s considered as some of the bodily gifted younger gamers in baseball, Mayer struggled on the plate for stretches final season. He hit simply .228 with 4 residence runs and 10 RBI in 44 video games.
Mayer is considered as a superb defensive participant, which is one motive he at all times had a powerful likelihood of creating the MLB roster out of the gate in 2026. He’s a pure shortstop however can play a number of positions, which he confirmed in 2025 when he was a fill-in at third base. Mayer will start this season as a second baseman, however his versatility will give Cora flexibility to tweak lineups.
Marcelo Mayer needed to earn his spot
Whereas most followers aren’t stunned that Mayer has made the Opening Day roster, Cora clearly wished the younger infielder to earn his spot. The supervisor mentioned as not too long ago as two weeks in the past that Mayer was not a lock to make the group out of spring coaching.
It appeared like Cora wished to send Mayer a message about work ethic, and the message might have been acquired. Mayer has to turn into extra constant on the plate as a way to stay as much as his excessive ceiling. For now, the Crimson Sox are hoping he’ll assist them win video games together with his glove whereas displaying progress on the plate.
