Red Sox's Alex Cora Won't Commit To Marcelo Mayer's Opening Day Status

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora still won't guarantee Marcelo Mayer a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Red Sox manager Alex Cora spoke about Marcelo Mayer's chances of making the team, saying he's doing a good job but that doesn't mean he'll break camp with the team. Mayer had a mixed rookie season in 2025, batting .228 with 4 home runs in 44 games. Cora may want to see an improved plate approach from Mayer before committing to him for the Opening Day roster.

Why it matters

Mayer is considered a top prospect for the Red Sox, so his status for the start of the 2026 season is an important storyline. Cora's comments suggest the team may want Mayer to get more seasoning before handing him an everyday role, even with an opening in the infield.

The details

Cora raised some eyebrows at the start of spring training by saying Mayer must earn a big-league roster spot. Mayer embraced the challenge by hitting a home run in his first spring game, but has just one hit in his three subsequent contests. Cora said "that doesn't mean that he'll break camp with us, but we've been happy with the progression." The Red Sox have other infield options like Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andruw Monasterio or Nate Eaton who could fill a utility role.

  • Cora made his comments before the Red Sox's 9-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 8, 2026.

The players

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

Marcelo Mayer

A top prospect infielder for the Boston Red Sox who had a mixed rookie season in 2025, batting .228 with 4 home runs in 44 games.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

An infielder who is one of the other options the Red Sox are considering for their Opening Day roster.

Andruw Monasterio

An infielder who is one of the other options the Red Sox are considering for their Opening Day roster.

Nate Eaton

An infielder who is one of the other options the Red Sox are considering for their Opening Day roster.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's doing a good job. That doesn't mean that he'll break camp with us, but we've been happy with the progression.”

— Alex Cora, Manager (MassLive)

The takeaway

Cora's comments suggest the Red Sox may want to see more from Mayer before handing him an everyday role, even with an opening in the infield. The team has other options they are considering, so Mayer will need to continue to impress this spring to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.