Red Sox Finalize Roster, Promote Top Prospect Mayer

Boston sends Campbell to Triple-A, names Mayer starting second baseman for Opening Day

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:51pm

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The Boston Red Sox made final roster decisions ahead of the 2026 season, optioning prospect Kristian Campbell to Triple-A Worcester while promoting top prospect Marcelo Mayer to the starting second baseman role on Opening Day. Mayer, a highly regarded young player, struggled in spring training but the Red Sox believe in his long-term potential and are giving him a full-time opportunity this year as they look to compete for a deep postseason run.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are hoping Mayer can provide a boost to their lineup and solidify the second base position after his underwhelming debut last season. Campbell will continue developing in the minors, while the Red Sox are betting big on Mayer's future upside to help them contend in 2026.

The details

The Red Sox optioned 23-year-old Kristian Campbell, who has 67 games of MLB experience, to Triple-A Worcester after he hit just .220/.304/.341 in 41 spring training at-bats. Meanwhile, the team announced that top prospect Marcelo Mayer, who appeared in 44 games for Boston last year, will break camp as the starting second baseman despite a .214/.389/.321 line in 28 spring at-bats. The Red Sox believe in Mayer's long-term potential and are giving him a full-time opportunity this season as they look to compete for a postseason berth.

  • The Red Sox will begin their 2026 regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the Cincinnati Reds.

The players

Marcelo Mayer

A highly regarded Red Sox prospect who struggled in his MLB debut last season but will now get a full-time opportunity as the team's starting second baseman on Opening Day.

Kristian Campbell

A 23-year-old Red Sox prospect with 67 games of MLB experience who was optioned to Triple-A Worcester after an underwhelming spring training performance.

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What they’re saying

“Marcelo Mayer is breaking camp as the starting second baseman.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

“Kristian Campbell optioned to Triple A Worcester this morning.”

— Chris Cotillo, Reporter

What’s next

The Red Sox will begin their 2026 regular season on the road against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, March 27 at 4:10 PM EST.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are betting big on top prospect Marcelo Mayer to help them compete for a postseason berth in 2026, giving him the starting second base job despite his struggles last season. Meanwhile, Kristian Campbell will continue developing in the minors as the Red Sox look to maximize Mayer's potential at the big league level.