Boston’s Second Base Dilemma as Spring Training Approaches
As Spring Training began, there was significant discussion regarding the second base position in Boston, primarily fueled by the acquisition of Alex Bregman. Although Bregman is primarily a third baseman, he expressed willingness to switch to second base. This stirred speculation that he could take over the keystone position, allowing Rafael Devers to remain at third base. However, recent indications suggest Devers will transition to the designated hitter role as Opening Day approaches.
Competition for Second Base Spot
The situation creates an open competition for the second base role this spring, primarily among returning player David Hamilton, top prospect Kristian Campbell, and Vaughn Grissom. Grissom, who was expected to be the starting second baseman last year, faced injuries and performance issues, resulting in a dismal .190/.246/.219 in 31 major league games. His Spring Training struggles continued, leading to his option to Triple-A to conclude his bid for the starting role.
New Contender: Marcelo Mayer
While Grissom’s withdrawal from the competition could have limited the candidates, Marcelo Mayer has emerged as a new contender. Despite having not played at the Triple-A level and missing much of the previous season due to injury, Mayer, a consensus top-20 prospect, has impressed with a robust .357/.438/.536 batting line in Spring Training over 15 games. Coupled with his solid .307/.370/.480 performance in Double-A last year, he appears ready for a challenge.
Options for the Red Sox
Although it may be tempting to jump Mayer directly to the majors, promoting him to Triple-A first might be a prudent choice as he adapts to a new position. Historically, talented players have made the jump from Double-A to the majors successfully, but adjusting to a new role while aiming for major league success poses a considerable challenge. Another option could be Campbell, who had a remarkable season that brought him up to Triple-A. However, his lackluster .158/.289/.211 performance this spring raises doubts about his readiness for the big leagues.
David Hamilton’s Reliability
Should the club prefer a more consistent option for immediate production, Hamilton offers solid defensive and baserunning abilities, albeit with limited offensive upside, as reflected in his .248/.303/.395 stats last season. His experience makes him a viable choice to platoon with Gonzalez, adding stability while providing young prospects like Mayer and Campbell more time to develop their skills.
Strategic Decisions and Service Time
Another crucial factor in the Red Sox’s decision-making process is service time management. Keeping either Campbell or Mayer in the minors for a few weeks could secure an additional year of team control. Furthermore, recent incentive structures in the current CBA complicate these decisions. If either player finishes among the top two for AL Rookie of the Year, they would be awarded a full season of service time regardless of their actual time in the majors. Thus, placing a promising rookie on the Opening Day roster may also yield additional draft benefits in the future.
Your Thoughts
As the Red Sox weigh their options for Opening Day at second base, would you favor Campbell’s Triple-A experience or Mayer’s impressive spring performance? Or does Hamilton represent a safer choice while the other prospects develop? Share your opinion in the poll below:
