What Alex Cora Has Seen From Red Sox’s Top Infield Prospects

Alex Cora has liked what he’s seen from two Red Sox prospects who play positions close to his heart.

“He plays the part,” Cora told reporters in reference to Marcelo Mayer, as seen on NESN. “He’s really good at shortstop. Smooth, good intuition, good instincts. For how tall he is, he moves with grace over there — old-school kind of shortstop.”

Mayer, the No. 3 prospect in the Red Sox organization behind Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell, is in Fort Myers, Fla. for his first big league camp. He’ll play in the infield throughout the spring, despite the 22-year-old informing coaches he’d be available to play in the grass if they wanted.

“He’s really good,” Cora said.

Campbell, the No. 7 prospect in all of baseball, has worked at second base this spring. The 22-year-old was thought to be in the mix as Boston’s Opening Day second baseman, but that was before to the Red Sox signed Trevor Story.

Story likely will play second with Rafael Devers preferring to retain his position at third.

“He’s learning,” Cora said of Campbell. “The turns are getting better. He has range. He has good hands. We’re working hard with him at second base.”

Red Sox fans won’t have to wait long to see Mayer and Campbell in action. Cora confirmed Boston’s top three prospects will all debut in the club’s first exhibition game Friday. Mayer and Campbell will start at shortstop and second base, respectively, while Antony patrols the left field grass.

First pitch between the Red Sox and Northeastern Huskies is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Friday, and you can watch it on NESN.