The Boston Red Sox are shaking things up this offseason, making significant changes to their roster. They've strengthened their rotation and upgraded at first base, but the rest of the infield is still a puzzle waiting to be solved. Trevor Story is locked in at shortstop, but second and third base are wide open, especially with Alex Bregman no longer in the picture.
This spring, the competition for these spots is one of the most captivating storylines in MLB. While there are a couple of frontrunners, a few dark horses are also in the mix, making it an exciting battle to watch.
The Red Sox have five contenders vying for these key roles: Marcelo Mayer, Caleb Durbin, Kristian Campbell, Romy Gonzalez, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Mayer and Durbin seem to be the favorites, with their potential to become foundational pieces for the team's future. The likely Opening Day lineup could feature Willson Contreras at first, Mayer at second, Story at shortstop, and Durbin at third.
However, nothing is set in stone. Kiner-Falefa, with his veteran experience from stints with the Blue Jays and Yankees, could clinch a starting spot with a strong spring performance. Campbell, once a promising prospect, has a chance to make a comeback and secure a starting role as well.
Gonzalez, known for his ability to hit lefties, might face challenges due to a shoulder injury, which could limit his starting opportunities initially.
The Red Sox's infield competition is not just a matter of filling positions; it's about strategically addressing the gap left by Bregman. How Boston navigates this will be fascinating to see as the season unfolds.