Marcelo Mayer named Red Sox's Opening Day 2B

Rookie infielder to start at second base after uneven 2025 season

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:25am

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Marcelo Mayer, the Boston Red Sox's 2021 first-round draft pick, will be the team's starting second baseman on Opening Day after an uneven rookie campaign that included a season-ending wrist injury. Manager Alex Cora said Mayer, 23, earned the job through a strong offseason and spring training performance, beating out last year's Opening Day second baseman Kristian Campbell, who was optioned to the minors.

Why it matters

Mayer is considered a key part of the Red Sox's future, and his successful transition to second base could solidify the team's middle infield for years to come. The decision also signals a changing of the guard, with the veteran Trevor Story now paired with the young Mayer up the middle.

The details

Mayer played in only 44 games in 2025, hitting .228 with four home runs and 10 RBIs before undergoing wrist surgery in August. However, Cora said Mayer "did an amazing job in the offseason" and "put himself in the conversation to play in October last year." Mayer, a natural shortstop, played 39 games at third base in 2025 and eight at second base, where he will now form a double-play combination with Story.

  • Mayer was named the Red Sox's starting second baseman on Saturday, March 22, 2026.
  • Mayer played in only 44 games in the 2025 season before undergoing wrist surgery in August.

The players

Marcelo Mayer

A 23-year-old infielder who was the Red Sox's first-round draft pick in 2021. He is considered a key part of the team's future and will now be their starting second baseman on Opening Day.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who announced that Mayer will be the team's starting second baseman to begin the 2026 season.

Trevor Story

The veteran shortstop for the Red Sox, who will now form a double-play combination with the young Mayer up the middle.

Kristian Campbell

Last year's Opening Day second baseman for the Red Sox, who was optioned to the minors after struggling offensively this spring.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, Marcelo is going to be our second baseman. I talked to him today. He did an amazing job in the offseason. Like I told him, he's always been a good player, but he actually did an amazing job putting himself in the conversation to play in October last year after the surgery.”

— Alex Cora, Manager

“It means a lot. Obviously, that was the goal coming into camp. (Cora) made it well known that the spot wasn't given to me, so I worked hard, and I'm really happy with the outcome. I'm excited about the team.”

— Marcelo Mayer

“I love it. Trevor is an amazing teammate, an amazing person. So for us to be able to work together, understand each other a little bit more, it's gonna be nice.”

— Marcelo Mayer

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue their Grapefruit League schedule as they prepare for the 2026 season, with Mayer expected to be their starting second baseman on Opening Day.

The takeaway

Mayer's promotion to the starting second base job is a sign of the Red Sox's confidence in his ability to bounce back from an injury-plagued rookie season and solidify the team's middle infield for years to come, forming a promising double-play combination with veteran shortstop Trevor Story.