Red Sox Roster Decisions: Mayer to Start at Second, Campbell to Triple-A

March 22, 2026 Lucas Fernandez – World Editor World

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Saturday that Marcelo Mayer will be the team’s starting second baseman for the 2026 season, a decision made after evaluating the young infielder’s performance throughout spring training. The announcement came as the Red Sox finalized their roster ahead of their season opener against the Cincinnati Reds on March 27th.

Cora informed Mayer of the decision Saturday morning, emphasizing that the position wasn’t simply given to him. “He did an amazing job in the offseason,” Cora said, according to reports. “Like I told him, he’s always been a good player, but he actually did an amazing job putting himself in the conversation to play in October last year after the surgery.”

Mayer, who battled a right wrist injury that shortened his 2025 rookie campaign, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “It means a lot,” Mayer said. “Obviously, that was the goal coming into camp. He made it well known that the spot wasn’t given to me, so I worked hard and I’m really happy with the outcome. I’m excited about the team.”

The decision to name Mayer the starting second baseman followed the Red Sox’s earlier determination that Caleb Durbin would be the starting third baseman. This alignment appeared to naturally position Mayer at second base, though Cora stressed the require for Mayer to earn the role.

The move means that Kristian Campbell, who unexpectedly broke camp as the starting second baseman last year and subsequently signed an eight-year, $60 million contract, has been optioned to Triple-A. Campbell, the American League’s Rookie of the Month in April 2025, struggled following his strong start and was sent to the minors in June, remaining there for the rest of the season. He batted .220 with one home run and four RBIs in 46 plate appearances this spring, primarily playing in center field.

Cora indicated that the decision to push Mayer was deliberate. “We wanted to push him,” Cora said, explaining the delay in making the announcement. The Red Sox will reportedly protect Mayer against left-handed pitchers.

Mayer finished his 2025 rookie season with a .228 batting average, four home runs, and 10 RBIs in 136 plate appearances across 44 games before his wrist injury. He will join Willson Contreras and Durbin on the right side of the infield, with Trevor Story at shortstop.