Many reporters and insiders over the offseason slotted Marcelo Mayer into their Boston Red Sox Opening Day roster predictions as a given — after adding Willson Contreras to man first base and losing Alex Bregman, Mayer seemed like a lock for the left side of Boston's infield, alongside Trevor Story.
But the additions of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Caleb Durbin and Andruw Monasterio added much more competition for Mayer. The natural shortstop played just 44 games in the major leagues last season before a wrist injury ended his season, which is not enough experience to guarantee a roster spot next to Boston's other infield options who are more seasoned.
Mayer made his spring training debut after most of his teammates on February 27. Despite having only three games under his belt, he's making a case for an Opening Day roster spot, and maybe even he starting second base job.
Mayer's defense has, unsurprisingly, been the star of his first few Grapefruit League games, particularly on March 3 against the Puerto Rican national team. He made two excellent scoop plays, one to Story for an out at second base and another to Kiner-Falefa at first base.
Marcelo Mayer's defense might be too good to keep off the Red Sox's Opening Day roster
Another look at this beauty 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/HstmRVH8DA
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 4, 2026
Improved defense is a major focus for Boston this season after its 116 errors, mostly from the infield, led the major leagues in 2025. Mayer has been praised for his defense throughout his rise in the minor leagues, and he even flashed some impressive plays at third base, where he had just six games of minor league experience, while Alex Bregman was injured in the middle of last season.
Mayer has also contributed at the plate to the tune of two hits, including a homer, two walks and two runs over three games (a small sample size, but he'll get more than enough playing time this spring). Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he needed to see improved offense from Mayer to justify giving him a spot on the Opening Day roster, and if he continues on this trajectory, the starting second base job could be his.
There's still a few weeks of spring training to go and anything can happen in the Opening Day roster race before the Red Sox are scheduled to begin their season at Great American Ballpark on March 26. Mayer may not be the frontrunner for the second base job yet, but he's well on his way with three Grapefruit League appearances so far.