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Red Sox manager Alex Cora sent Marcelo Mayer a strong message regarding his quest to earn the starting second base job
The Boston Red Sox are still making some roster moves as Spring Training gets underway, but for the most part, the team’s offseason work is over. Manager Alex Cora has begun the process of identifying what he has, or doesn’t have, on his roster, and it’s safe to say he’s got his work cut out for him, as Boston’s depth chart is a bit all over the place.
While the Sox have some spots loaded with depth (outfield, starting pitching), some areas are very weak (infield, left-handed relievers). One guy looking to earn a starting job in the infield out of Spring Training is star prospect Marcelo Mayer, but if he wants to do that, he may have to listen to a strong message Cora sent him regarding his defense recently.
Alex Cora Gives Marcelo Mayer Some Advice Early in Spring Training
Ever since being selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Mayer has been one of the Sox’s top prospects. He flew through the minors, and he ended up finding his way to the majors briefly in 2025. In 44 games, Mayer endured his fair share of struggles, as he hit just .228 with four home runs and 10 RBIs, but Boston is still bullish on his upside.
Mayer factors into a crowded Boston depth chart at the infield, and while there are several names competing for starting jobs, the options aren’t all that encouraging. While his primary position is shortstop, Mayer spent most of his time at third base last season, in addition to playing a couple of games at second base.
With the team acquiring Caleb Durbin, who primarily plays third base, in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, it seems like if Mayer wants to earn a starting spot come Opening Day, he’s going to have to win the second base job. If he wants to do that, he should consider listening to some advice he received from Cora, who spent much of his playing career in the field as a second baseman.
“Something I told Marcelo, try to spend as much time turning double plays, starting double plays, and all that, because the third base part of it is very similar to shortstop,” Cora said when discussing Mayer’s potential move to second base.
Red Sox Hoping Marcelo Mayer Enjoys Breakout Campaign in 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder Marcelo Mayer.
After losing Alex Bregman in free agency, the Red Sox are going to need several guys to step up and fill the void left by his departure. Receiving a strong season from Mayer, who has All-Star potential, would go a long way towards helping Boston fans forget about the loss of Bregman, although that’s going to be tough to accomplish.
The Sox are leaning on their young talent, with guys like Roman Anthony, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, and Kristian Campbell also looking to earn spots on the Opening Day roster. Considering how Boston is fresh off a surprise run to the playoffs last year, it’s a bit of a risk, but if guys like Mayer can exceed expectations, the Red Sox could surprisingly take a step forward after making a mixed bag of moves over the offseason.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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