Red Sox name Marcelo Mayer starting second baseman for 2026 season

Top prospect Mayer wins second base job after short MLB debut in 2025

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:20pm

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The Boston Red Sox have announced that top prospect Marcelo Mayer will be their starting second baseman for the 2026 MLB season. Mayer, 23, made his MLB debut last year and will now look to solidify the position after the departure of Alex Bregman in free agency.

Why it matters

Mayer is considered one of the top young talents in baseball, and his development will be crucial for the Red Sox as they look to contend for a World Series title this season. His ability to replace Bregman's production in the lineup will be a key factor in the team's success.

The details

Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced that Mayer had won the starting second base job after a solid spring training performance. Mayer hit .214 with one home run and two RBIs in 28 at-bats during spring training. With Bregman leaving for the Cubs in free agency, and Caleb Durbin winning the starting third base job, the Red Sox infield is now set with Willson Contreras at first, Mayer at second, Trevor Story at shortstop, and Durbin at third.

  • Mayer made his MLB debut for the Red Sox in 2025, getting 127 at-bats.
  • During 2026 spring training, Mayer hit .214 with one home run and two RBIs in 28 at-bats.
  • On March 21, 2026, Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced that Mayer had won the starting second base job for the 2026 season.

The players

Marcelo Mayer

A 23-year-old top prospect who made his MLB debut for the Red Sox in 2025 and has now won the starting second base job for the 2026 season.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

Alex Bregman

A former Red Sox third baseman who left the team in free agency to join the Chicago Cubs.

Caleb Durbin

A Red Sox player who won the starting third base job for the 2026 season.

Willson Contreras

The Red Sox's starting first baseman for the 2026 season.

Trevor Story

The Red Sox's starting shortstop for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Alex Cora says Marcelo Mayers is the second baseman. He told him he made the team this morning.”

— Chris Cotillo, Reporter

What’s next

Mayer will look to build on his strong spring training performance and solidify the second base position for the Red Sox as they aim to contend for a World Series title in 2026.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's decision to name Marcelo Mayer as their starting second baseman for the 2026 season is a significant move, as the 23-year-old prospect is seen as a key part of the team's future. His development will be crucial as the Red Sox look to replace the production of former third baseman Alex Bregman and make a deep playoff run.