Red Sox Infield Battle Heats Up as Spring Training Begins

Caleb Durbin and Marcelo Mayer to practice at both 2B and 3B to start spring training

Feb. 14, 2026 at 8:15am

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As the Boston Red Sox begin spring training, the competition for the starting infield positions is wide open. Newcomer Caleb Durbin and second-year player Marcelo Mayer are the top candidates to man third base, while second base remains up for grabs as well. Manager Alex Cora says the team will evaluate the players at both positions during the early days of camp, with the goal of solidifying the starting infield 'sooner rather than later'.

Why it matters

The Red Sox struggled defensively in 2025, leading MLB in errors. Solidifying the infield, particularly at second base, will be crucial for the team as they look to improve in 2026. The competition between Durbin and Mayer at third base also bears watching, as the team looks to avoid the drama that surrounded the position last spring.

The details

During Friday's practice, Durbin was seen taking grounders at third base while Mayer worked at second base. Cora said the two will likely alternate between the positions during drills in the coming days as the team evaluates their versatility. Mayer played primarily third base in his rookie season, while Durbin also saw time at the hot corner for the Brewers last year. Cora noted that both players have the ability to turn double plays at second base, which will be an important factor in the decision-making process.

  • Spring training games begin in one week.

The players

Caleb Durbin

A recent trade acquisition from the Milwaukee Brewers, Durbin is one of the top candidates to start at third base for the Red Sox.

Marcelo Mayer

The Red Sox's second-year infielder, Mayer is also in the mix to start at third base after primarily playing the position in his rookie season.

Alex Cora

The Red Sox manager, who says the team has 'been through this dance' before in determining the starting third baseman.

Craig Breslow

The Red Sox's chief baseball officer, who will be involved in the decision-making process for the starting infield.

Jose Flores

The Red Sox's infield coach, who will work closely with Mayer and the other infielders on turning double plays.

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What they’re saying

“We went through this dance last year. I know how to dance it. Just be patient.”

— Alex Cora, Manager

“Something I told Marcelo: try to spend as much time with [infield coach Jose] Flo[res], turn double plays, starting the play and all that, because the third base part of it is very similar to shortstop.”

— Alex Cora, Manager

“We'll see how it plays out, but I think both of them, they're good defensively and wherever they end up, they're gonna be solid. But, we're not gonna be moving people around, from my end.”

— Alex Cora, Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to evaluate Durbin and Mayer at both second and third base during the early days of spring training, with the goal of solidifying the starting infield 'sooner rather than later'.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's focus on building a versatile infield this offseason, with players capable of playing multiple positions, should help the team avoid the drama that surrounded the third base position last spring. However, the competition between Durbin and Mayer will be one to watch as the Red Sox look to shore up their defense and return to the playoffs in 2026.