The Boston Red Sox infield is a puzzle, and with Alex Bregman gone, they're scrambling to find the missing pieces! As Red Sox Nation grapples with the departure of Alex Bregman in free agency, the team has been actively seeking reinforcements for their infield. Over the past month, a flurry of activity has seen the Red Sox bring in Isaiah Kiner-Falefa and Brendan Rodgers, while also acquiring Caleb Durbin and Andruw Monasterio from the Milwaukee Brewers via trade. Adding to the mix, Willson Contreras, who began his career as a catcher, is slated to be the primary first baseman while Triston Casas continues his recovery from a torn patellar tendon. This three-time All-Star was a significant acquisition, joining the team through a trade in December.
This influx of talent provides Boston with a wealth of options to solidify their infield. However, it's important to remember that several key players from last year's playoff squad are still on the roster. Trevor Story, Marcelo Mayer, and the currently injured Romy Gonzalez all played crucial roles for the team last season and remain with the Red Sox. We also can't forget Kristian Campbell, who had a scorching start to the season before facing challenges and being sent down to the minors in June. Campbell also has experience in the outfield, a position already brimming with talented players.
So, who will be manning the infield on Opening Day and beyond? Manager Alex Cora has an intriguing set of choices for his lineup.
The undisputed locks for the infield are Trevor Story and Willson Contreras. These two seasoned veterans have undeniably earned their starting positions as Boston prepares to take the field for the first time on March 26th.
However, the second and third base positions are very much up for grabs.
But here's where it gets interesting... The fan favorite pick for one of these spots would undoubtedly be Marcelo Mayer. Yet, his injury history is becoming a significant concern. As the first-round pick from 2021, Mayer has yet to play more than 91 games in a single season. In 2025, his season was cut short by July due to wrist surgery. While his talent is undeniable, his health will be a major storyline to watch in the 2026 season.
Caleb Durbin is a seriously underrated pickup for Boston. As a rookie, Durbin finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, boasting an impressive 2.8 WAR over 136 games. This soon-to-be 26-year-old can play both second and third base, with the latter position having a substantial void to fill following the departure of Bregman and the trade of Rafael Devers last June. Is Durbin the answer to the gaping hole at third?
And this is the part most people miss... Andruw Monasterio offers valuable depth for Cora's bench. With a career on-base percentage of .321 and a low strikeout rate, Monasterio is poised to provide respectable hitting and reliable defense on the right side of the infield.
Then there's Isaiah Kiner-Falefa. The former Yankee and Blue Jay makes his third stop in the AL East after signing a one-year, $6 million contract with the Red Sox. Kiner-Falefa is a versatile infielder who truly leaves it all on the field. Despite a notable blunder in Game 7 of the World Series last year, he can generally be counted on to make the correct play. This reliability is precisely why Boston signed him after years of being near the top of the error leaderboard.
Brendan Rodgers presents a fascinating case. The 29-year-old missed a significant portion of last season due to a multitude of injuries, leading to his departure from the Astros after just one year. His most impressive season came with the Rockies in 2022, where he recorded 140 hits in 137 games. Rodgers also earned a Gold Glove at second base that season, a skill that would be invaluable to the Red Sox infield. If Rodgers can deliver above-average defense, he has a strong chance of becoming a consistent fixture in the lineup.
Finally, we have Nate Sogard and Nate Eaton. Both players saw time at the major league level last season, including appearances in the playoffs. Cora might lean towards these two due to his established rapport with these younger players.
Spring training is just getting underway, so there's ample time for Cora and his staff to finalize their decisions. However, the foundation of the infield is undeniably in place; now it's time for all the pieces to come together. What do you think, Red Sox fans? Who deserves those starting infield spots? Let us know in the comments below!
