When the Boston Red Sox lost Alex Bregman in free agency to the Chicago Cubs, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow had to pivot quickly. It took him some time to pivot to replace Bregman. He immediately pivoted to the Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez.
Breslow ended up pivoting to the Milwaukee Brewers to acquire Caleb Durbin, potentially to replace Bregman. Manager Alex Cora also has youngster Marcelo Mayer, who could play that position, as well as second base.
However, it was not a given for Mayer going into spring training this season that he would break camp on the roster. He knew that. With Opening Day just five days away against the Cincinnati Reds in Ohio, Cora announced his starting second baseman for the 2026 season, and it was good news for Meyer.
Boston Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Announces Marcelo Meyer Will Start at Second Base in 2026
On Saturday morning in Fort Myers, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com, Cora announced that Meyer will be the starting second baseman on Thursday against the Reds. He won the job over Kristian Campbell, who will begin the season in Triple-A.
Earlier in spring training, Mayer knew that he wasn’t going to be just handed the starting job and that he would have to earn it.
“This is the big leagues. Everybody is coming for everybody’s job,” Mayer said. “I’m just grateful for this opportunity. There’s a lot of people who wish they were in my shoes and given an opportunity to compete for a big league spot in an organization like this. This is the Boston Red Sox. I don’t think anything should be given to anybody.”
Cora would never just give it to anybody. No major league team would give it to just anyone. Mayer knew he had to go out there and earn it. When spring training started, Cora said that Mayer needed to earn his spot and improve in some areas, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive. Mayer heard the message and earned his spot in Cincinnati.
Boston Red Sox Need Marcelo Mayer To Stay Healthy in 2026
Mayer did the hard part; he won the job over Campbell and will begin the season at second base. However, Boston will need him to stay healthy this season. Given his history in since he’s been in the organization, that’s easier said than done.
Last season, he played in just 44 games after coming up in May. He suffered an injury in July, which ended up ending his season after August wrist surgery. Mayer slashed .228/.272/.402 with four home runs and 10 RBIs. He had eight doubles and a triple. If he can stay healthy, the talent is certainly there to be an everyday infielder and core piece for Cora for a long time.
Both Campbell and Mayer have been labeled as hit-or-miss prospects with the Red Sox. Both are seen as long-term pieces of Boston, but there are a lot of factors that go into that. Right now, Mayer is the starting second baseman, but Campbell is just a phone call away should an injury occur.
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