While Marcelo Mayer is expected to be the Red Sox's starting second baseman in 2026, he wasn't in the Opening Day lineup.

“We can mix and match with Mona,” Cora said on NESN during an in-game interview that was interrupted by a Ceddanne Rafaela homer. “We’re gonna use Izzy, most likely, against lefties at second base. Mona can do the same thing. He can pinch run.”

Marcelo Mayer lines a double to the left-center field wall, getting the Red Sox's first extra-base hit of the game in the top of the 7th inning

Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Marcelo Mayer, Connelly Early and Brayan Bello all made stops in Portland on their way to the major leagues.

If the 2026 Red Sox want to establish themselves as legitimate contenders, they're going to need several players to exceed expectations.

The Red Sox are almost at Opening Day, but the final few spring games still matter. From Marcelo Mayer’s push at second base to the last bullpen spot and a crowded outfield picture, here are five Boston storylines worth watching before March 26.