Red Sox ‘Close’ to Major Marcelo Mayer–Caleb Durbin Infield Decision

The Boston Red Sox entered spring training with an unusual amount of roster uncertainty, particularly within the infield, where multiple young players are competing for prominent roles in 2026. Manager Alex Cora has spent the early weeks of camp evaluating defensive alignments, positional versatility, and long-term organizational needs, and now it appears the club is “close” to finalizing a significant decision involving Marcelo Mayer and Caleb Durbin.
The final call is expected to directly influence Boston’s Opening Day structure and greatly shape how the team develops young talent throughout the season.

Reporter Tim Healey of The Boston Globe revealed Saturday that the Red Sox have moved into the final stages of their decision-making process. His report comes after several days of infield experimentation, during which Mayer — traditionally a shortstop — has been tested at both second and third base, while Durbin has primarily worked at third.
Cora’s process has been methodical, deliberate, and anchored in the need to evaluate each young player’s comfort level across multiple defensive spots.

“For the first time in camp, Marcelo Mayer moved to the other position he might play, taking ground balls at third base after several days at second,” Healey wrote. The information marked a notable shift, as Mayer had previously received the majority of his reps on the right side of the infield.
Cora acknowledged that internal discussions are nearing completion, explaining that the club is “close” to announcing its alignment for both Mayer and Durbin heading into the next phase of spring games.

Cora emphasized that the purpose of the extended evaluation is to ensure fairness and accuracy within the organization’s long-term planning. “It’s fair for everybody in the organization, just to make sure we’re making the right decision,” he said. His comments underscored the importance of the process, especially considering Mayer’s status as one of Boston’s most prominent homegrown prospects.
The Red Sox’ goal is not simply to fill a roster spot but to determine the developmental direction of two players who could become key contributors.

The story carries additional weight because of the expectations surrounding Mayer. Once viewed strictly as a future shortstop, the 21-year-old has seen his defensive assignments broaden significantly over the past year. Boston challenged him this offseason with a mandate to increase physical strength, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow publicly stated that Mayer needed to take a substantial developmental step forward.
Mayer responded by adding muscle, refining his footwork, and improving his defensive agility — progress that has impressed the coaching staff early in camp.

Cora made it clear that Mayer will not be handed a major-league position based solely on potential or pedigree. Instead, he must earn his way onto the Opening Day roster by demonstrating consistent defensive competence, improved offensive quality, and an adaptable mentality.
This firm stance reflects a larger organizational shift focused on accountability and results, not projections or hype.

Mayer addressed the situation candidly when asked about his ongoing position battle. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “AC made it clear that I’m still looking for a job. So wherever it is they need me to play, that’s what I’m going to do.”
His response indicates a willingness to adapt and a recognition that versatility may be the fastest route to securing playing time at the big-league level.

Caleb Durbin, meanwhile, presents a different type of evaluation case. Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers organization, Durbin has experience at both second and third base and brings strong defensive instincts to the table. His 2025 metrics show he ranked in the 51st percentile in Outs Above Average and the 57th percentile in Fielding Run Value, indicating a reliable glove capable of stabilizing the left side of the infield.
This makes him a natural candidate to handle third base should the Red Sox shift Mayer to second.

From a defensive standpoint, the potential configuration of Durbin at third base and Mayer at second base offers intriguing balance. Mayer’s range and athleticism could make him elite at second, allowing him to cover ground and turn double plays with creativity and speed. Durbin’s steadiness at third would give Boston a dependable defender at a demanding hot-corner position.
Together, they could provide a young, energetic, and cost-efficient infield combination for the foreseeable future.

This plan also aligns with roster realities. When healthy, Romy González provides another versatile option who could easily platoon with Mayer at second base. González profiles better at second than at third, which further strengthens the argument for placing Mayer there to begin the season.
Such depth gives Boston strategic flexibility and offers injury insurance without sacrificing defensive strength.

Offensively, the Red Sox are hoping that Mayer’s added strength will translate into increased slugging, allowing him to emerge as a more complete hitter. While his swing has always showcased fluid mechanics and natural loft, the question has consistently been whether he can generate enough power to impact games consistently at the major-league level.
Early batting-practice sessions this spring have suggested meaningful improvement, with coaches noting harder contact and a more disciplined approach.

For Durbin, the offensive expectations are more modest but still valuable. His profile focuses on contact, aggression on the basepaths, and situational execution — all traits that complement Boston’s lineup when paired with powerful bats like Triston Casas and Rafael Devers.
His strong defensive reliability and competitive at-bats make him a particularly attractive candidate for a role at third base, where stability often takes precedence over flashiness.

The Red Sox’ broader goal remains reestablishing themselves as a consistent contender in the American League East. After a brief return to the playoffs last season, Boston believes the 2026 roster has the potential to take another step, especially if its young players accelerate development timelines.
The infield decision involving Mayer and Durbin is not just about Opening Day — it may help determine the franchise’s internal structure for years.

With organizational expectations rising, the pressure on Mayer is unmistakable. He entered the minors as one of baseball’s top shortstop prospects and now faces the challenge of proving he can excel at multiple positions. Boston values his long-term ceiling, but the coaching staff insists that adaptability and performance will decide his immediate role.
This spring becomes his opportunity to demonstrate resilience, skill growth, and the competitive mentality required to hold a major-league job.

Durbin, though less heralded, enters the competition with the advantage of experience and the trust of evaluators who appreciate consistent defensive work. His ability to adjust quickly to new environments and maintain his performance has brought him into legitimate contention for an everyday role.
Should he secure third base, Boston would benefit from a stabilizing presence on the infield’s left side while still allowing Mayer to develop at a natural pace.

As the Red Sox move closer to finalizing their infield arrangement, the decision will likely hinge on game performance over the next two to three weeks. Cora and Breslow have made it clear that spring production, defensive execution, and situational awareness will carry significant weight.
Both players appear fully engaged in the competition, creating an atmosphere of urgency that fuels sharper practices and more deliberate in-game evaluations.

A final decision has not yet been announced, but all signs indicate that the announcement is imminent. Boston wants clarity before late-camp games begin, enabling both players to focus confidently on refining the roles they will carry into the regular season.
Whether Mayer opens the year at second, third, or in a hybrid utility role, his development remains one of the most important storylines of the franchise’s long-term outlook.

For now, the Red Sox remain “close” — and the competition continues to tighten.