Craig Breslow Says Red Sox Infielder Will Have Chance To ‘Compete For A Spot’

Some Boston Red Sox fans are likely wondering what Monday’s trade with the Milwaukee Brewers means for infielder Marcelo Mayer.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow discussed the 23-year-old former top prospect’s status on Monday in the wake of the Red Sox acquiring infielders Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler and Caleb Durbin.

“Craig Breslow on Marcelo Mayer: ‘He needs to come into camp and compete and show us what he’s capable of, but he’s got a ton of potential, absolutely, to be an everyday player,'” Mac Cerullo of The Boston Herald posted on Bluesky. “‘He’ll have an opportunity in front of him to come in and compete for a spot.'”

Craig Breslow on Marcelo Mayer: “He needs to come into camp and compete and show us what he’s capable of, but he’s got a ton of potential, absolutely, to be an everyday player." "He’ll have an opportunity in front of him to come in and compete for a spot."

— Mac Cerullo (@maccerullo.bsky.social) 2026-02-09T21:04:08.935Z

Durbin’s presence could have the biggest impact on Mayer’s playing time, one way or another.

The former had a solid 2025 rookie campaign, posting 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases with a .256/.334/.387 slash line across 136 games.

Durbin finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting and played 131 contests at the hot corner last year.

Mayer was projected by some to be Boston’s starting third baseman prior to Monday’s deal but now it isn’t out of the question to consider having the former fourth overall pick come off the bench.

Mayer had four home runs and 10 RBIs with a .228/.272/.402 triple slash in 44 games in 2025.

He suffered a wrist sprain on July 23 and underwent surgery in August.