How about a defense-forward infield for the Red Sox?

"Alex Bregman's departure not only opened up a hole which the front office thought it had solved in 2025, but it deepened the mystery of what we have in Marcelo Mayer. Mayer will continue to be an unknown quantity until he spends more time in the majors and proves he can stay on the field for a full season. Not only is he young and untested, but he can play second and third base as well as shortstop."

"One piece of circumstantial evidence-and that's sometimes all we've got in the offseason, until the process completely unfolds-is that Mayer has said: "Second base, you're doing everything backwards." To some, this may sound like a degree of discomfort, but it also conjures up the grace and confidence of a Ginger Rogers, doing everything Fred Astaire did-but backwards (and in heels). For someone working to transition from one side of the infield to the other, I have no doubt that's what it might feel like."

"A recent post on Bluesky from Alex Speier may do more to illuminate the front office's thinking. If this is to be believed (and I've been taken in a few times over the years), this might suggest that Eugenio Suárez will not end up on the dirt for the Sox. Our own Mike Carlucci said so in our Slack chat, and others have noted this on the socials too. (Even as Suárez is considered a good overall fit for the team.)"

Dustin Pedroia's Hall of Fame candidacy has increased desire for a capable, reliable Red Sox infield. Alex Bregman's departure opened a perceived solution gap for 2025 and deepened uncertainty about Marcelo Mayer. Mayer remains untested until he accumulates more major-league time and demonstrates the ability to stay on the field for a full season. Mayer can play second, third, and shortstop, leaving his 2026 position unresolved. Recent signs, including Mayer's comment that "Second base, you're doing everything backwards" and a Bluesky post by Alex Speier, suggest the front office may favor Mayer at third and prioritize defense, affecting plans for Eugenio Suárez and second base.

Read at Over the Monster