Could Marcelo Mayer be the answer at second?

 Marcelo Mayer, Red Sox top prospect, on goals for 2023

    On Wednesday, the Red Sox optioned Vaughn Grissom to minor league camp, seemingly leaving the second base position down to 2. Instead, a potential new option has emerged in the form of top prospect Marcelo Mayer. Mayer made his second base debut as a substitute on Tuesday, before getting the start on Wednesday. The 22 year old has been on fire from the plate this spring, hitting .355 with a 1.025 OPS. In 77 AA games, Mayer hit .307 with an .850 OPS.

    Although he has never played second at the professional level, Mayer is confident he can adjust. "Everything is backwards compared to short and third base. But I'm athletic, I think I could figure it out pretty quickly." 

    Mayer has never played anything other than third base or shortstop. Due to his bigger frame and below-average speed, some evaluators picture him as a long term third basemen. Mayer's quick first step and athleticism should make the transition across the diamond easier, if that is what Alex Cora deems best for the team. In the long run, Mayer still profiles as the teams starting shortstop if Story's defense declines. 

    Although Mayer has yet to register a AAA at-bat, Cora praises the "baseball player" in him, saying "The baseball player is real. He's not just a prospect. He's a baseball player."

    If Mayer begins the season at second, it will likely mean Kristian Campbell will start the season at AAA. David Hamilton remains in the mix, but Cora might prefer him as a platoon, speed option of the bench when needed. 

    In other roster news, Blake Sabol was optioned to minor-league camp, making it almost certain that Carlos Narvaez will open the year the backup catcher. Luis Guerrero and Jost Winckowski will also not start the season on the major league roster, giving some clarity to a crowded bullpen. 

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