The Boston Red Sox added yet another position battle to their spring training to-do list just before pitchers and catchers reported — the outfield and DH spots, the rotation and now second and third base will be determined in the coming weeks.
The Red Sox finally added an infielder on February 9 by trading for Caleb Durbin and two other depth infielders, Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler. Boston sees Durbin as an everyday player, but it isn't yet certain where he'll play this coming season.
Durbin will either suit up at second or third base, and Marcelo Mayer will take the other position. But there probably shouldn't be a position battle in Boston's infield at all, since Mayer should be the shortstop on Opening Day.
Early this offseason, the Red Sox committed the shortstop spot to Trevor Story. The decision to do so that quickly after last season was curious, given Story's defensive regression and Mayer's ascension to the major leagues.
Marcelo Mayer should be Red Sox's shortstop on Opening Day, not Trevor Story
Story posted nine outs below average, 19 errors and third percentile range among shortstops in 2025. The veteran has been known as a top-tier defender throughout his 10-year career, but that label slipped last season — he logged 10 more errors than the next-closest Sox player.
Story deserves some grace, as he's dealt with multiple long-term injuries since his move to the Red Sox organization. The 2025 campaign was his first full season of work since 2021 when he posted 142 games for the Colorado Rockies, and the Red Sox believe his defensive regression was mostly due to fatigue (subscription required). But if Boston is serious about its newfound defensive priorities, Story should move to second base and Mayer to shortstop.
Mayer has the potential to be the best defender in the Red Sox's infield, and he might be already. The recent top prospect has played 44 games at the big league level, and he appeared in his natural position at shortstop in just three innings. He primarily played third base while Alex Bregman healed his mid-season quad injury and managed with just one error in 248.2 innings.
Story is entering his age-33 season and his age, coupled with his recent injury history and defensive regression, should have at least allowed for debate about Mayer taking the shortstop job. Story is under contract with the Red Sox for two more seasons (three, including a club option for 2028) while Mayer is their alleged shortstop of the future — you'd think they'd want to begin playing him there as soon as possible to promote his development and because he could be the best infield defender they have.
Story should open the 2026 season at second base, Durbin at third and Mayer at shortstop, because that makes sense now and into the future. Mayer still has to prove he can stay healthy long-term, but he should be able to do so in his natural position, especially given Story's recent struggles.