Trending Now - Durbin Appointed Red Sox 3B; Mayer in Line for 2B Role

WHO:

Caleb Durbin, starting third baseman for the Boston Red Sox

Alex Cora, manager of the Boston Red Sox

Marcelo Mayer, candidate for second baseman for the Boston Red Sox

Trevor Story, shortstop for the Boston Red Sox

Willson Contreras, first baseman for the Boston Red Sox

Tommy Kahnle, veteran reliever signed by the Boston Red Sox

Ian Browne, reporter for MLB.com

Mark Feinsand, source for MLB.com

WHAT:

Caleb Durbin will be the starting third baseman for the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day.

Durbin was acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers before spring training.

Durbin is hitting .394 in 33 at-bats with 7 RBIs and 3 stolen bases during spring training.

Marcelo Mayer is hitting .250 in 24 at-bats with 1 home run and 2 RBIs.

Mayer is the leading candidate for the second base position.

Tommy Kahnle signed a Minor League deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Kahnle had a 4.43 ERA in 2025, his highest in seven years.

Kahnle has made 31 playoff appearances with a 3.06 ERA.

WHERE:

Fort Myers, Florida, where the Red Sox are conducting spring training.

WHEN:

Durbin was informed of his starting position on March 17th, 2026.

Opening Day for the Red Sox is scheduled for March 26th, 2026.

The Red Sox are preparing to break camp on March 25th, 2026.

WHY:

The Red Sox had a vacancy at third base after Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs during the offseason.

Mayer is transitioning to second base to fill the position.

HOW:

Durbin expressed his excitement about playing third base, stating, "I'm going to stick at third from now on."

Mayer has been working on his chemistry with Trevor Story to prepare for the season.

Kahnle's changeup was effective in 2025, with opponents hitting .217 against it.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 23:16 UTC)

Caleb Durbin has been named the starting third baseman for the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day, following his impressive spring training performance where he hit .394 with seven RBIs. Marcelo Mayer is the leading candidate for second base, transitioning from shortstop, and has been working closely with Trevor Story to build chemistry ahead of the season. Additionally, veteran reliever Tommy Kahnle has signed a Minor League deal with the team, looking to bounce back after a challenging 2025 season.