Red Sox's Marcelo Mayer Sure Sounds Confident He Can Fill in for Trevor Story

When will Mayer get his shot at shortstop?

May 17, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Marcelo Mayer (11) runs to the dugout after the end of the inning against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Among the numerous options to take over shortstop from the Boston Red Sox's active roster, Marcelo Mayer stands out.

When Trevor Story was placed on the injured list with a sports hernia on Saturday, Mayer was the first name on many fans' minds as a potential replacement if Story is out long-term. Since then, Story traveled back to Boston to seek an opinion on whether he should get surgery, while Mayer told the media Sunday that he talked to manager Chad Tracy about getting some reps at short.

Whether Mayer plays short moving forward or stays at second base will be answered bit by bit, as the Red Sox work him out at his natural position over the coming days. But one thing is for sure: The 23-year-old doesn't have a confidence problem when it comes to the possible move.

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What Mayer said about shortstop 'home'

Apr 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (10, left) and second baseman Marcelo Mayer (11) celebrate after a win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Speaking before the Sunday series finale, during which Mayer stayed at second base and Andruw Monasterio took over shortstop for the third day in a row, Mayer expressed confidence in his ability to move to his right and play the infield's most important position, if called upon.

“Obviously, that’s home to me,” Mayer said, per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. “That’s where I’ve played my whole life. And we’ve had some discussions, going to get some reps there in practice whenever I can. But wherever Trace (tells) you to play, that’s what it’s going to be, whether it’s short, third, second. I’m just here to help the team.”

Mayer has just three innings under his belt at shortstop in the majors to this point, after spending the majority of his time there as a top prospect. The former first-round pick moves like such a natural in the field that it's hard to see why his game wouldn't adjust at the higher level, but one can never know for sure when it comes to big-league shortstops without seeing it in practice.

It could be significant for the Red Sox to start playing Mayer at short, as questions about Story's long-term future in Boston have gotten loud in light of his poor play early in the season. But Tracy, who still has the interim tag, has to balance those questions with whatever helps win games and dig out of this early-season rut in the standings.