MLB Notebook: Red Sox spring training roundup and buzz around the league

The World Baseball Classic dominated headlines and social media this spring, pushing most camp battles into the background. Boston sent 13 players from its major league roster to the tournament, giving Alex Cora and the front office an extended look at younger players competing for roster spots.

On Saturday, the infield picture came into focus when Cora named Marcelo Mayer the Red Sox’ starting second baseman. From the start of camp, Cora made it clear Mayer would have to earn his way onto the Opening Day roster — and he did. He’s expected to platoon with Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Andruw Monasterio, primarily avoiding left-handed pitching.

While Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu grabbed attention on the international stage, several other storylines quietly developed in Red Sox camp.

Here’s a look at the remaining decisions that will be finalized in the coming days before Boston opens the season in Cincinnati.

Kristian Campbell Back to the Minors

One year after making the Red Sox Opening Day roster and signing an eight-year, $60-million extension, Kristian Campbell is heading back to the minors.

Campbell struggled in the big leagues last season and ultimately finished 2025 with Triple-A Worcester. With camp winding down, Boston informed the 23-year-old he will once again open the year with the WooSox.

The move isn’t surprising. Boston’s outfield is crowded, and Campbell remains a below-average defender in the infield, leaving no clear path to everyday playing time on the major league roster.

That said, the Red Sox haven’t given up on him. Campbell’s spring left more questions than answers, as he hit .220 with one home run, four RBI, 11 strikeouts and a .646 OPS across 46 plate appearances.

“You’ve got to get back to the big leagues. You’ve got to play better," Cora said. “There’s a few things he did in camp, and some he didn’t. He didn’t walk as often and struck out a lot. That’s not him. We just have to keep working together. At the end, he said it — ‘It’s up to me to get back here.’”

Boston entered 2026 with a more defined development plan for Campbell, focusing on improving his defense across all three outfield spots while reworking his swing and adding strength.

He spent the offseason in Puerto Rico playing winter ball, where Red Sox coaches worked closely with him on his mechanics. In 14 games, he hit .245/.403/.367 (.771 OPS) with four doubles, a triple, six RBI, 12 strikeouts and 13 walks. He also put together a seven-game hitting streak, slashing .308/.455/.500 during that stretch.

But those adjustments didn’t fully translate this spring. Campbell rarely walked and showed an uptick in swing-and-miss.

“We have to get the offense going,” Cora said. “There were some things we felt comfortable with, but the strikeouts were going up and the walks were going down. That’s not him. He’s a guy who controls the strike zone, and that didn’t happen during camp.”

It’s fair to question whether the Red Sox accelerated Campbell’s timeline too quickly after his breakout minor league season. The emphasis on reworking his swing also raises questions about what may have been missed during his rise through the system.

For Campbell, the focus now is simple getting consistent at-bats and playing into with the WooSox. Boston needs to settle on a defensive home for him so he can fully lock in at the plate.

“We will help him. He’s going to get his at-bats,” Cora said. “He’s going to play the majority of his games in the outfield.

“He’ll be fine, but you’ve got to go down there and show people you’re the best athlete on the team and the best player on the team.”

The Rotation

Boston is set to open the season in Cincinnati with Garrett Crochet on Opening Day, followed by Sonny Gray, with Johan Oviedo expected to start the series finale.

Brayan Bello was initially in line for