Trending Now - Mayer Named Red Sox Starting Second Baseman, Campbell Sent Down

WHO:

Marcelo Mayer, Red Sox manager Alex Cora, Kristian Campbell, Trevor Story, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Eyanson, José Pená, Juan Rivera

Boston Red Sox, MLB.com, Baseball America, MLB Pipeline

WHAT:

Marcelo Mayer was named the primary second baseman for the Boston Red Sox for the 2026 season.

Kristian Campbell was optioned to Triple-A Worcester.

Mayer had a batting line of .228/.272/.402 with four home runs and ten RBIs in 136 plate appearances during the previous season.

Campbell batted .220 with one home run and four RBIs in 46 plate appearances during Spring Training.

Mayer was selected fourth overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.

Campbell signed an eight-year, $60 million contract.

Campbell hit .313/.420/.515 over his first 119 plate appearances in the majors but struggled with a .157/.241/.220 line over his next 141 plate appearances.

WHERE:

Fort Myers, Florida (Spring Training location)

Triple-A Worcester, Massachusetts

WHEN:

The announcement regarding Mayer was made on March 21st, 2026.

Campbell was optioned to the Minors on March 21st, 2026.

Campbell was optioned to Triple-A on June 20th, 2025.

WHY:

Cora stated that Mayer needed to earn his spot on the roster after a challenging rookie year.

The decision to option Campbell was influenced by the crowded state of Boston’s roster and the need for him to play regularly.

HOW:

Cora emphasized the importance of Mayer's offensive improvement and discipline in his approach at the plate.

Mayer was noted for his seamless fit at second base, working comfortably with shortstop Trevor Story.

(UPDATED March 21, 2026 19:10 UTC)

In a significant move for the Boston Red Sox, Marcelo Mayer has been named the primary second baseman for the 2026 season, as announced today. Meanwhile, Kristian Campbell has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester after a challenging Spring Training, where he batted just .220 with one home run. Manager Alex Cora highlighted that Mayer's offensive improvement and discipline will be crucial, especially after his rookie season, while Campbell's optioning was influenced by the need for him to play regularly amid a crowded roster.