Red Sox name Marcelo Mayer second baseman, send Kristian Campbell to minors

Mayer's rise up the infield depth chart had been apparent for weeks, but manager Alex Cora said the delayed announcement was intentional.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:25pm

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The Boston Red Sox have named Marcelo Mayer as their primary second baseman, while sending Kristian Campbell to the minor leagues. Mayer, a 23-year-old prospect, impressed the team with his adjustments and discipline at the plate, while Campbell's plate discipline has diminished. Mayer will play regularly against right-handed pitchers, with newly acquired Caleb Durbin playing third base.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are making key decisions about their infield depth, with two highly touted 23-year-old prospects heading in opposite directions. Mayer's rise to the top of the depth chart is a significant development, as the team looks to build around young talent and improve upon a disappointing 2025 season.

The details

Mayer hit just .228 in 44 big-league games last season and was hurt for most of the second half, but the Red Sox have been impressed by his adjustments and discipline at the plate this spring. Meanwhile, Campbell, who broke camp last year at second base, has struggled with his plate discipline, prompting the team to option him to Triple-A, where he will primarily play the outfield.

  • Mayer's rise to the top of the infield depth chart had been apparent for weeks.
  • Mayer was close to taking swings in October when the Red Sox were eliminated in the wild-card round.

The players

Marcelo Mayer

A 23-year-old prospect who has impressed the Red Sox with his adjustments and discipline at the plate, earning the primary second baseman role.

Kristian Campbell

A 23-year-old prospect who broke camp last year at second base but has struggled with his plate discipline, prompting the Red Sox to option him to Triple-A.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who said the delayed announcement of Mayer's role was intentional and that he wanted to push the young player.

Caleb Durbin

The newly acquired player who will play third base for the Red Sox.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

A utility infielder who will be available off the bench for the Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to push him. Nothing is given here.”

— Alex Cora, Manager

“How realistic it was for him to play, I don't know. But I saw him on a daily basis pushing forward, and that caught my attention.”

— Alex Cora, Manager

“You've got to get back to the big leagues. You've got to play better. … He said it: 'It's up to me. It's up to me to get back here.' And we will help him.”

— Alex Cora, Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will make a decision on their catching combo and final bench player by Sunday or Monday.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are making tough decisions about their infield depth, prioritizing young talent like Marcelo Mayer while challenging players like Kristian Campbell to regain their promise. This reflects the team's focus on building for the future and improving upon a disappointing 2025 season.