Red Sox's Marcelo Mayer Sets Record Straight on 'Freak' Injuries

The young infielder is confident he can stay healthy and fill the void left by Alex Bregman's departure.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Boston Red Sox infielder Marcelo Mayer, 23, opened up about the "freak" injuries that have plagued the early part of his career, saying he feels stronger than ever and is ready to prove himself in the 2026 season. Mayer filled in admirably at third base when Alex Bregman was injured in 2025, and the Red Sox are hoping a healthy Mayer can help offset Bregman's departure.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are facing a big hole in their infield with Bregman's exit, and Mayer's development is crucial to their plans. If Mayer can stay healthy and live up to his potential, he could be a key part of the team's future.

The details

Mayer said the past injuries were "freak" occurrences and that he's now in the best shape of his career. He expressed confidence in his abilities as a hitter, saying he knows he's "a really good hitter" and is excited to "go out there and perform." The Red Sox are hoping Mayer can fill the void left by Bregman, as he showed promise filling in at third base when Bregman was injured in 2025.

  • Mayer opened up about his injuries on July 11, 2025.
  • Bregman got hurt in the 2025 season, leading Mayer to fill in at third base.

The players

Marcelo Mayer

A 23-year-old infielder for the Boston Red Sox who is looking to stay healthy and live up to his potential after dealing with "freak" injuries early in his career.

Alex Bregman

A former Red Sox player who is departing the team, leaving a hole in the infield that Mayer is hoping to fill.

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What they’re saying

“The way that I see it, it's been freak injuries or injuries that have lingered on in the past that I now have taken care of. It's not something that I'm labeling myself [as someone who gets hurt a lot]. I'm as strong as ever.”

— Marcelo Mayer, Red Sox Infielder (The Boston Globe)

“Everything. I know that I'm a really good hitter. So I'm just excited to go out there and perform and do what I know how to do.”

— Marcelo Mayer, Red Sox Infielder (The Boston Globe)

What’s next

The Red Sox will be closely monitoring Mayer's health and performance in spring training as they look to him to help fill the void left by Bregman's departure.

The takeaway

Mayer's development is crucial for the Red Sox as they aim to replace a key piece of their infield. If he can stay healthy and live up to his potential, he could be a valuable part of the team's future.