Boston Red Sox (Image Credits: Imagn) The Boston Red Sox aren’t overthinking it anymore heading into Opening Day. After doing literally the cheesiest thing to Gerrit Cole , they seem fully committed to youth, upside, and a clear infield plan. When they’ve had a winter that didn’t land marquee names, Boston is now pivoting inward, betting on development over splash. That shift, however, puts pressure on roles, timelines, and expectations. The roster is crowded, the competition is real, and every decision carries ripple effects. Especially when it involves two of the organization’s most talked-about young pieces. On March 21, 2026, per MassLive’s Mark Polishuk, citing the Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed Marcelo Mayer will open the season as the starting second baseman, working a platoon with right-handed options like Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Andruw Monasterio.  Marcelo Mayer (Image Credits: Imagn) Mayer, 23, hasn’t dominated this spring...