Alex Cora isn't guaranteeing Marcelo Mayer a spot on the Boston Red Sox's Opening Day roster.
Mayer is presumably a front-runner to start at third or second base, at least against right-handed pitching. But that's assuming he's even with the team when Boston begins the 2026 campaign against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, March 26.
Cora told reporters Friday, per MassLive's Christopher Smith, that Mayer must earn his place on the Red Sox roster this spring. The manager particularly wants to see better offensive production from the 23-year-old, who batted .228/.272/.402 as a rookie.
The highly touted prospect didn't hit the ground running like Roman Anthony last year. Mayer instead struck out in 41 of his 136 major-league plate appearances, drawing just eight walks.
However, Mayer's first cup of coffee wasn't all bad. The former No. 4 pick flashed power potential with eight doubles, a triple and four home runs in 44 games. He also stabilized Boston's defense at third base with Alex Bregman sidelined.
Bregman's free-agent departure created another opening in Boston's infield. The recently acquired Caleb Durbin can play second or third, but there's no clear-cut candidate to handle the other spot if Mayer doesn't make the Opening Day squad.
There are still plenty of options. Isiah Kiner-Falefa looks poised to fill a super-utility role, and Kristian Campbell, Brendan Rodgers, Nate Eaton, Nick Sogard, Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler are among the infielders competing for a job.
Romy Gonzalez is a sensible platoon partner for Mayer or another lefty, but a shoulder injury could force him to start the season on the injured list.
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