Recently, Red Sox reporter Ian Browne hosted an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit with fans at r/redsox. This mailbag contains questions and answers from there. You can read the full transcript here. Questions and answers have been lightly edited for clarity.
I think Mayer is the starting second baseman on Opening Day. Tolle and Early are competing to be the fifth starter, but I think ultimately, (Johan) Oviedo, whoever has more experience gets that job. So far, Alex Cora has indicated that Tolle and Early will both start the season as starters, whether in Boston or Worcester.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF RED SOX PROSPECTS
When do you think Mayer will become the starting shortstop? In 2027, or when (Trevor) Story’s contract expires?
Let’s see how Mayer performs this season and if he can have a fully healthy year and be consistent at the plate. The team is confident that Mayer can be a solid defender at second, short or third. The Sox also Franklin Arias in the minors as perhaps their shortstop of the future.
The story is in a good place right now, after a good year last year. And he is in good health. He will be the team’s shortstop for the remainder of his contract – which has two seasons remaining – as long as he performs well.
Who is the shortstop of the future, Mayer or Arias?
It’s up to them to prove it. Both players could currently be shortstops in MLB. Mayer is working to demonstrate that his swing can play at the highest level. Arias continues to develop physically and with his swing.
I saw recently that there was still smoke regarding Jarren Duran For Isaac Paredes despite the fact that there is now a glut of infielders. Do you think this is happening?
I don’t see the Red Sox trading Duran for Paredes. This is not an equal exchange. Duran is one of the most dynamic players in the league when he’s right. And there are indications that some of the work he did on his swing and setup during the offseason could put him closer to 2024 levels than what he did in ’25. My feeling is that the Red Sox want to see how their current roster plays out and any possible trade for Paredes would not include Duran, who is under club control through the ’28 season.
What are your impressions of Spring Training so far? Any remarkable elements?
It’s always hard to tell this time of year. Duran certainly stood out during his pre-WBC stint. He was killing baseball. I think Caleb Durbin is going to be a Fenway fan favorite in no time. He really has a nice, all-around game and has that “dirt dog” mentality that Red Sox fans love. Mayer looks really smooth at second base. Wilyer Abreu is in much better shape. These are things that stand out so far.
Which pitcher besides Crochet/Suárez/Gray/Bello/Oviedo makes the most starts for the Red Sox in 2026?
Looking into my crystal ball, I see Early as the guy who fills in when the need arises. While Tolle has the most upside, Early looks more polished at this point. Don’t sleep on Kutter Crawford either. He led the team in starts and innings two years ago and could be reasonably close to getting in a game.
I have several questions:
When Triston Casas returns, how will he fit into the lineup with injuries to other players?
Is the starting rotation better than last year, and are Tolle and Early doomed to be in AAA until they get hurt?
Finally, is Christian Campbell stuck in limbo now with the current outfield? Is he (Vaughn) Grissom 2.0 and will he be traded?
1. I don’t see it at this point. The team is already left-heavy, so it’s not like he’s going to come off the bench. What Casas is most focused on right now is getting back to full health. In my conversations with him this spring, he has supreme confidence in his abilities when healthy.
2. Yes, the rotation should be better than last year simply because they added Sonny Gray And Ranger Suarez two proven veterans who know how to throw.
3. Campbell is clearly still figuring some things out offensively and defensively. That said, I think it’s premature to call him Grissom 2.0. Give it a little more time. He still doesn’t have a ton of at-bats in the minors. I think he needs more, especially if there isn’t a clear path for him on the roster.
Where do you see Jake Bennett be part of the 2026 list? SoxProspects were excited about him and his increase in speed during their last pod. They could really use another impact LH arm in the bullpen, but everything I’ve heard indicates they want him to be a long term SP.
I think he starts at Triple-A and is one of the depth options if needed. That said, the Red Sox are very keen on him. Craig Breslow really likes it. At this point, they view him as a starter. He has yet to make it past Double-A.
