Marcelo Mayer is expected to be the Boston Red Sox’s primary second baseman this season. Red Sox manager Alex Cora had stated this during spring training.
Kiner-Falefa Gets Opening Day Nod
Isiah Kiner-Falefa started at second base for the Red Sox’s Opening Day game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds’ starting pitcher was left-hander Andrew Abbott.
Cora mentioned that Mayer would occasionally be on the bench against left-handed pitchers. This was the case on Opening Day.
Andruw Monasterio was another option at second base. He was acquired in a February trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Cora said that they like Kiner-Falefa’s at-bats. He went 13-for-43 during spring training, according to MassLive’s Christopher Smith. Monasterio can be used later in the game, according to Cora. Cora stated that it is strategy and they will see how it plays out.
Splits Against Southpaws
Monasterio went 12-for-44 with a .273/.360/.477 slash line against lefties in 2025. Kiner-Falefa was 27-for-119 with a .227/.250/.286 triple slash vs. southpaws last season.
Consistent Infield Set-Up
Cora also talked about his general strategy for the Red Sox’s infield to begin the campaign.
Cora said they are good with Monasterio at shortstop, per Smith. They are trying to avoid moving Marcelo too, but he can play short, too. Cora stated they are going to try to stay as consistent as possible, with Caleb Durbin at third, Trevor Story at short, Marcelo at second most of the time and Willson Contreras at first. He hopes the defence is more consistent that way.
Cora’s priority is to maintain consistency in the infield. This should see Mayer feature regularly at second base, despite occasional absences against left-handed pitching.