At Fenway Park, a complex puzzle is playing out. The Red Sox are facing a welcome but tough roster issue. All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman is near his return from the injured list. This presents a tough go for manager Alex Cora. He must find a spot for the rookie star Marcelo Mayer. The prodigy has been a surprise at third base with his great defense. Plus, Mayer has put forth a team-first approach. “I’m willing to play anywhere in the field,” that’s what he said!
The adaptability mindset is a stark contrast to the recent past of the Red Sox franchise. It was only on June 15 that the organization made a blockbuster deal by trading fan-favorite Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. The breakup came after a public and bitter standoff over Devers’ defensive role and refusal to play first base during the season. His explanation was that there was a lack of respect towards him. “I do feel that I have earned some respect,” he shared concerning his defensive role post-trade. Given this latest sore spot, every remark about player flexibility feels loaded with meaning.
A new flashpoint appeared on July 10 as Tom Carroll posted Cora’s response dealing with Mayer’s future with Bregman returning. The X post read, “When asked if Marcelo Mayer would move to second base with Bregman’s return, Cora said they’re going to wait until Bregman is back to make that decision. Went on to say Mayer is a “stud” defensively, and unprompted said Mayer could “probably play first” if they asked him to.” That single, unprompted phrase—“play first”— sent out shockwaves throughout Boston sports.
When asked if Marcelo Mayer would move to second base with Bregman’s return, Cora said they’re going to wait until Bregman is back to make that decision.
Went on to say Mayer is a “stud” defensively, and unprompted said Mayer could “probably play first” if they asked him to … pic.twitter.com/iYfHime2fP
— Tom Carroll (@yaboiTCfresh) July 10, 2025
The comment did not fall out of nowhere. A review of the interview brings out the truth. A reporter first put to Cora the broad question of what, in general, he thought of Mayer’s defense. The manager praised the rookie’s “internal clock.” Another reporter followed up, asking specifically about Mayer’s pre-MLB versatility at second and third base. Cora answered, “We saw it in spring training. We knew that he could… play at first, to be honest with you.” The interviewer never mentioned first base. Cora brought up what the team’s most recent controversial issue was all by himself.
In the world of the 2025 Red Sox, ‘first base’ isn’t just a position. It is a loaded statement. But was this an accidental comment or a masterful piece of managerial art?
The art of the manager’s message and Alex Cora
Alex Cora has a reputation for being one of baseball’s sharpest communicators. He doesn’t speak by accident. Catcher Christian Vásquez once commented on his manager’s talent in communication. “He is bilingual, knows how to communicate his ideas, and explains his decisions to everyone on the team,” Vásquez mentioned.
“Manager-speak” like this is all over Cora’s résumé.
Amid Trevor Story’s offensive woes in May 2025, Cora told the media bluntly that the plan was to “Disconnect him.” The harsh words carried a clear message about accountability. He once even had rookie Roman Anthony run fielding drills in front of the media. The action spoke louder than words, signaling to the front office that young players still needed development. These incidents illustrate a manager who utilizes the public stage, which is why the “dig” at Devers seems not just possible, but probable.
But there is another, more generous interpretation of Cora’s remarks. The skipper is just talking out loud about a legitimate roster logjam. Bregman, an All-Star, hitting .299 with a .938 OPS before he was hurt, will return to third base. Trevor Story, a veteran shortstop and a two-time Gold Glove winner, is a lock in the lineup. That leaves Mayer, the prized rookie, without a clear position. The first base spot, occupied admirably by Romy Gonzalez (.338 average) after Triston Casas’s injury, remains fluid.
This complexity extends beyond the infield dirt. The outfield is crowded with productive players like Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu. The return of Masataka Yoshida from injury mostly slots in as the designated hitter. This places a huge premium on positional flexibility. A player like Mayer, who can handle multiple spots, is an incredible asset. In this sense, Cora might not be taking a shot at an ex-player. He was celebrating the very tool he needed to guide a deep and talented roster toward a playoff run.
So, what was it? Was Cora quietly twisting the knife by praising his new rookie to justify the messy divorce from his old star? Or was he simply a manager doing his job, publicly appreciating a player who makes his difficult decisions a little bit easier? Share your thoughts with us!
The post Alex Cora Takes Subtle Jab at Devers While Praising Red Sox Rookie as Bregman’s Return Looms appeared first on EssentiallySports.
