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By Shaun McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Boston Red Sox addressed nearly all of the team's needs this offseason, but there's a hole in the roster after losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs in free agency.
Boston improved its infield earlier this offseason by trading the St. Louis Cardinals for three-time All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras, but whiffed on bringing back Bregman in free agency. The Red Sox reportedly are still expected to try to add an infielder this offseason, but will likely turn to Marcelo Mayer at third base if they can't get a deal done.
Mayer will need to take a big step forward in his development next season to fill the void left by Bregman's departure, according to MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan.
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"Acquiring first baseman Willson Contreras addressed one infield need for Boston, but the club now has another question across the diamond after Bregman chose the Cubs over a reunion with the Red Sox," Harrigan wrote Sunday. "Contreras may be capable of replacing Bregman’s offensive production, but Mayer’s performance could determine whether Boston has meaningfully upgraded its infield or merely reshuffled it. Barring a move for another third baseman, the 23-year-old is expected to handle the role at the start of 2026."
Mayer has been one of the Red Sox's most anticipated prospects since being drafted fourth overall in the 2021 MLB draft, and got to make his debut with the team this season. The 23-year-old only appeared in 44 games for Boston after undergoing wrist surgery in August, and had his fair share of struggles at the plate.
Mayer slashed .228/.272/.402 with four home runs and 10 RBIs before getting injured, but showed flashes of potential. The Red So will need the sophomore infielder to take a big step forward in his development to fill the hole left by Bregman if they want to make a return to the postseason.
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