Marcelo Mayer forcing issue with Red Sox Opening Day discussion with impressive highlight

Jun 30, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Marcelo Mayer (39) reacts after making an out during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesMany 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…