On Sunday, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn’t beat around the bush on youngster Marcelo Mayer when discussing the Opening Day roster. Cora may have been just sending a subtle message or even trying to motivate his young infielder.
“I think he’s doing a good job,” said Cora. “That doesn’t mean that he’ll break camp with us, but we’ve been happy with the progression.”
Take that anyway you want. It certainly sounds like a message being sent. Mayer is locked in a heated spring training battle with a surplus of infielders that the Red Sox have. It is needed as they are looking to replace what they lost when Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs.
Mayer is certainly in the mix for a starting spot in Cincinnati on Opening Day on March 26 against the Reds. Mayer clearly heard his manager’s comments and responded.
Boston Red Sox Infielder Marcelo Mayer Responds to Alex Cora’s Comments
Mayer made it clear that he doesn’t want to make the team because he’s been around for a while. He wants to make the roster because he earned it in spring training fair and square, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.
“This is the big leagues. Everybody is coming for everybody’s job,” Mayer said. “I’m just grateful for this opportunity. There’s a lot of people that wish they wish they were in my shoes and given an opportunity to compete for a big league spot in an organization like this. This is the Boston Red Sox. I don’t think anything should be given to anybody.”
He’s not wrong. However, there is a lot of competition, and Mayer doesn’t have the best track record in terms of staying healthy. Injuries have hampered his time with the organization.
“I want to earn the chance to play for this team. I want to earn the right to face lefties. And I know that I’m going to show that.”
Facing lefties is something that Mayer might do if he earns a starting job out of spring training. The Reds and former Boston manager Terry Francona announced that lefty Andrew Abbot will be their Opening Day starter.
Where Does Marcelo Mayer Fit With the Boston Red Sox?
Here is the big question. Just where does Mayer fit with the Red Sox? Is it third base? Second base? A backup role on the bench? Does he not make the roster and begin in Triple-A with the Worcester Red Sox?
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow pivoted to starting pitching when Bregman signed with the Cubs. However, before spring training, he traded for Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers. That is significant for Mayer. He could end up being the Opening Day replacement for Bregman. If that happens, Mayer will be in a battle for second base with free agent signing Isiah Kiner-Falefa and others at second base.
Just everything shakes out remains to be seen. Mayer isn’t expecting a roster spot unless he earns it. He heard his manager’s comments and took the high road in his rebuttal. Now we’ll see how things go over the next two and a half weeks before the season begins in Ohio.
Red Sox Prospect Doesn’t Beat Around the Bush About Opening Day Roster Spot