Many reporters and insiders over the offseason slotted Marcelo Mayer into their Boston Red Sox Opening Day roster predictions as a given — after adding Willson Contreras to man first base and losing Alex Bregman, Mayer seemed like a lock for the left side of Boston's infield, alongside Trevor Story.
But the additions of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Caleb Durbin and Andruw Monasterio added much more competition for Mayer. The natural shortstop played just 44 games in the major leagues last season before a wrist injury ended his season, which is not enough experience to guarantee a roster spot next to Boston's other infield options who are more seasoned.