The 2025 MLB offseason has raced by, with Opening Day just around the corner.
Boston Red Sox skipper Alex Cora has spent the final stretch fine-tuning his roster, though the process hasn’t been smooth. After an offseason packed with acquisitions, tough choices had to be made—leaving some fans frustrated with the team’s direction.
Now, the latest roster move is sure to stir up even more discontent among the Fenway faithful.
Red Sox Option Marcelo Mayer to Triple-A Ahead of Opening Day
As reported by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo on Sunday night, shortstop/second base prospect Marcelo Mayer has been assigned to Triple-A and will not break camp with the big-league squad. The 22-year-old infielder, ranked No. 12 on MLB.com’s prospect list, had been in the mix for a roster spot.
Adding to the intrigue, KPRC 2 Houston’s Ari Alexander noted that fellow infield prospect Kristian Campbell secured an Opening Day berth, which likely played a part in Mayer’s reassignment.
For Red Sox fans, Mayer’s demotion is a tough pill to swallow. Campbell’s struggles this spring seemed to pave the way for Mayer to seize the starting second base job, especially with Cora’s glowing endorsement.
“The baseball player is real,” Cora said about Mayer on March 19. “He’s not just a prospect. He’s a baseball player.”
Mayer’s spring performance only reinforced that praise. The Chula Vista, CA product dominated opposing pitchers, logging three extra-base hits (2 triples, 1 home run), 11 RBIs, eight walks, and an impressive .333/.455/.528 slash line over 20 games (36 at-bats).
In contrast, Campbell has yet to fully justify his top-prospect pedigree. The 2023 fourth-round pick managed just a .167 average and .576 OPS in 20 spring contests (48 ABs), with one homer, two RBIs, 18 strikeouts, and 10 walks.
Given the stark contrast in their spring numbers, the decision to keep Campbell over Mayer appears driven by reputation. Boston has long viewed Campbell as their future at second base, and they’re giving him every opportunity to prove himself.
How long each prospect stays in their current role remains to be seen. A strong start in Worcester could fast-track Mayer’s return to the majors, while continued struggles from Campbell might force the Red Sox to reconsider their plans.
Ultimately, the hope is that both young talents fulfill their potential and help Boston chase a championship this season. For now, the Red Sox enter Opening Day with +1800 odds to win the 2025 World Series on FanDuel Sportsbook, tied for seventh-best in the league.