Jun 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Marcelo Mayer (39) throws to first base for an out against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
The Boston Red Sox came into spring training with the MLB roster mostly set. Some rotation and bullpen spots could be up for grabs, but there were really only two spots in the lineup that were uncertain for 2026.
Third base was one thanks to Alex Bregman leaving for the Chicago Cubs in free agency. But Caleb Durbin was announced as the winner of the starting third base spot for Boston. All that was left after that news was second base.
And according to Masslive’s Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox have made a decision at second base. Alex Cora revealed that, as expected, Marcelo Mayer won the starting second baseman job for the 2026 MLB season.
Red Sox name Marcelo Mayer starting second baseman
“Alex Cora says Marcelo Mayers is the second baseman,” Cotillo reported. “He told him he made the team this morning.”
Mayer, the 23-year-old top prospect who came up to the Major Leagues last season for a short 127 at-bat stint, showed some promise in a limited capacity.
This move was the expected one, as there wasn’t a better option than Mayer on the roster, especially after losing Bregman and trading for Durbin. This was Mayer’s job to lose, and he didn’t lose it to anyone this spring.
During the 2026 spring training, Mayer, across 28 at-bats, hit .214 with one home run, two RBIs, and a .710 OPS.
More: Alex Cora announces Caleb Durbin is Red Sox starting third baseman
While nothing overly special, it wasn’t such a terrible spring that the Red Sox had to consider making a pivot with their second base plans.
Now, with the Mayer and Durbin decisions final, the Red Sox Opening Day infield is most likely set. Willson Contreras is the first baseman, Mayer is at second, Trevor Story is at shortstop, and Durbin is at third base.
Boston’s lineup is postseason caliber, and with a strong bullpen and rotation, the Red Sox should be able to contend for a World Series this year.
Mayer having a breakout season would be huge for this team, as the Red Sox need to find a way to replace Bregman’s impact in the lineup this year with Durbin and Mayer.
