The Boston Red Sox enter the 2026 season with hopes of making the playoffs again, but this year, they’ll go even further.
Boston has been active this offseason, with the Red Sox adding Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez and Wilson Contreras, among others.
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However, with the season quickly approaching, MLB.com’s Red Sox reporter Andrew Simon believes top prospect Marcelo Mayer is the key to success, as he believes the rookie will have a breakout season.
“Even early this offseason, Mayer looks like a key piece for Boston in the 2026 season,” Simon wrote in a post published Sunday. “But his importance will only grow as the offseason goes on, with Bregman leaving in free agency and Craig Breslow’s front office so far unable to find another impact player to handle second or third base…
With some major league experience and better health (Mayer also suffered a season-ending right wrist injury in 2025), the 23-year-old could take a major step forward in ’26 and provide the Red Sox with some much-needed infield stability.
Mayer appeared in 44 games last season and showed flashes of success. He hit .228 with four home runs and 10 RBIs. He is Boston’s top prospect in 2024 and is expected to replace Alex Bregman, who signed with the Chicago Cubs, as the starter at third base.
If Mayer can have a successful season in 2026, it will greatly strengthen the Red Sox roster.
Boston will open the 2026 season on the road against the Cincinnati Reds on March 26.
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