The Boston Red Sox’s Quiet Roster Dilemma: Second Base Demands Attention
While all eyes are on the Boston Red Sox’s pursuit of a No. 2 starter and a power-hitting slugger—not to mention the ongoing Alex Bregman re-signing saga—there’s a glaring hole on the roster that hasn’t gotten nearly enough attention: second base. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this overlooked position be the key to unlocking the team’s 2026 success? Let’s dive in.
The Red Sox ranked a middling 17th in OPS (.670) from the second base position in 2025, cycling through six different players in an attempt to find stability. Defensively, the numbers were even more concerning, with a minus-nine defensive runs saved (DRS), tying them for 22nd in the majors. And this is the part most people miss: while starting pitching, power hitting, and third base dominate the offseason conversations, second base could be the sleeper issue that makes or breaks the team’s performance next year.
Marcelo Mayer is the obvious in-house candidate, but his role is far from certain. If Bregman isn’t re-signed or replaced, Mayer might be shifted to third base. Even if he stays at second, questions linger. Is Mayer ready to handle a full 162-game season? In his four professional seasons, he’s never played more than 91 games. Here’s the bold question: Can the Red Sox afford to bet their season on a player with such limited endurance? Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow seems optimistic, challenging Mayer to build strength this offseason. But will it be enough?
Mayer’s offensive splits against left-handed pitching also raise eyebrows. Manager Alex Cora has historically avoided starting him against lefties, who accounted for 28% of the Red Sox’s opponents in 2025. If Mayer can’t hold his own against southpaws, a platoon with Romy Gonzalez—who dominated left-handed pitching in 2025 with a .331 average and .600 slugging percentage—might be necessary. But is that enough to solve the second base puzzle?
Kristian Campbell, who began 2025 as the everyday second baseman, posted a league-worst minus-16 DRS in just 471 ⅔ innings. While the Red Sox value his potential, there’s growing speculation that his long-term future might be in the outfield. Here’s the counterpoint: If Campbell can’t lock down second base, should the Red Sox look externally for a solution, freeing Mayer to focus on third base?
Trevor Story’s commitment to shortstop adds another layer of complexity. Despite declining defensive metrics at short in 2025, the Red Sox are sticking with him there, even though he excelled at second base in 2022. Is this the right move, or are they overlooking a better alignment of their infield talent?
As the offseason unfolds, the decisions around Bregman, Mayer, and the rest of the infield will shape the Red Sox’s 2026 campaign. But second base remains the wildcard. Will it be the position that finally gets the attention it deserves, or will it continue to fly under the radar? What do you think? Is second base the Red Sox’s most pressing issue, or are there bigger fish to fry? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
