JUST IN: Red Sox 3 players lose their job to top prospect including Rafael Devers

The Boston Red Sox have made changes to improve their roster ahead of the 2025 season. The starting rotation now includes Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler. Buehler is hoping to rebound after a few disappointing seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Crochet is entering his second season as a starter and might have a breakout year as the Red Sox’s ace.

But the Red Sox’s most significant move was the arrival of Alex Bregman. Bregman’s selection to the lineup was not without controversy, however.

The arrival of Bregman prompted the Red Sox to consider moving Rafael Devers to designated hitter. This would let Bregman to play third base, while top prospect Kristian Campbell is expected to start at second base on opening day.

But Devers is allegedly hesitant to leave third base. In either case, Devers may be relegated to the DH position, with a top prospect vying for his spot on the field.

He may not be the only starter who might be replaced by a strong prospect.

Marcelo Mayer could take Trevor Story’s spot sooner rather than later

Trevor Story is Boston’s starting shortstop, but top prospect Marcelo Mayer is the long-term answer. If Mayer continues to play as he has, the future may be in Boston.

Story has struggled to remain on the field over the last few years. Story has only played 163 games in his three seasons with the Red Sox.

Mayer will eventually replace Story, but what is preventing the Red Sox from making that move right now? The 22-year-old prospect hit.307/.370/.480 in the minors last year and has looked even better in spring training.

Have a game, Marcelo Mayer!

MLB’s No. 12 prospect swats a two-run homer and rips an RBI triple on a three-hit day for the @RedSox. pic.twitter.com/d1yfCkkKKV

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline). February 27, 2025
To start Thursday’s game against the Detroit Tigers, Mayer hit a rocket triple off Jack Flaherty. He singled in his next at-bat before launching a two-run home run off Kenta Maeda to cap his day. The top prospect finished the day 3 for 3 with three RBIs and one run scored.

If he can keep playing like this, the outlook for Boston’s infield is straightforward. Bregman plays the hot corner alongside Mayer at shortstop. Campbell would play second base alongside Triston Casas at first base.

This would be a simple plan if Devers accepts his spot as the DH.