There are still a number of questions marks in the Boston Red Sox's infield, but one thing is for certain: No. 3 prospect Marcelo Mayer is the shortstop of the future.
Except, what if he isn't?
Veteran Trevor Story is healthy now and set to reprise his role as Boston's starting shortstop. Alex Bregman will play third, Triston Casas will stay at first and Rafael Devers will shift to DH. Meanwhile, presumed second baseman Kristian Campbell is batting just .158 in spring training, raising concerns about his readiness to be an everyday starter at the big league level.
Could Campbell's struggles create a new opportunity for Mayer at the keystone? According to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, "everybody has a shot" to start at second base for Boston in 2025.
Alex Cora throws Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer into mix for second base job
Cora put Mayer at second base for four innings of the Red Sox's Grapefruit League game Tuesday against the New York Yankees, and he cleanly handled his only chance. Mayer started at second base in Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers, handling his first chance before going on to hit an RBI triple in his first at-bat.
Mayer's bat is simply too good to be held out of the Red Sox's lineup. He has been mashing the ball this spring, slashing .355/.444/.581with a home run and 10 RBI and a 1.025 OPS in 31 at-bats. That being said, he hasn't had a single at-bat in Triple-A yet, so there could be some hesitation to make him the Red Sox's starting second baseman on Opening Day. But Cora hasn't named his starting second baseman, and he hasn't ruled Mayer out.
Marcelo Mayer is raking this spring
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 19, 2025
The @RedSox's No. 3 prospect is 11-for-29 with 10 RBIs after this triple 👀 pic.twitter.com/3oQjIS1X60
Mayer, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, did earn a promotion to Triple-A Worcester last season, but he was placed on the injured list immediately after with a lumbar strain that kept him from making his debut at the top level of the minors. Now, the 22-year-old is fully healthy and making a serious case to be part of the Red Sox's 2025 Opening Day roster.
Ideally, the Red Sox will want Mayer's bat in the lineup, rather than on the bench — a promotion they might not yet be comfortable with, given his lack of Triple-A experience. Regardless, even if Mayer doesn't break camp with the club, his ability to play multiple infield positions can only help to expedite his arrival in Boston.
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