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Red Sox Spring Training: Key Battles at Second and Third Base

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 18:03 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Fort Myers, FL - February 19, 2026 - As the Boston Red Sox begin spring training, two positional battles are dominating the conversation: second base and third base. These aren't merely contests for starting roles; they represent a crucial inflection point in the team's ongoing rebuild, following the departure of long-time franchise cornerstone Rafael Devers. The competitions have already been highlighted by MLB.com as among the most compelling in all of Major League Baseball.

For years, the Red Sox have struggled to find consistent production at second base since the decline of Dustin Pedroia. A revolving door of players has passed through the position, offering flashes of potential but ultimately failing to solidify a long-term solution. This spring, the race appears to be between veteran Justin Turner, exciting prospect Rylan Kaufman, and defensive specialist Eddinson Garcia.

Justin Turner, a career .285 hitter with a .782 OPS, brings experience and a proven track record. However, his recent performance has dipped, and durability has become a growing concern as he enters his age-38 season. While still capable of providing clutch at-bats, his ability to consistently handle the rigors of a full season is questionable. Many analysts see Turner as the early favorite, leveraging his name recognition and veteran presence to gain an edge.

On the other hand, Rylan Kaufman represents the future. The 23-year-old tore through the minor leagues in 2025, posting a .276 batting average, .384 on-base percentage, and .454 slugging percentage across two levels. Kaufman possesses a rare combination of power and speed, making him a dynamic offensive threat. The primary question surrounding Kaufman isn't his potential, but his readiness for the major league level. Limited experience could be a hurdle, but if he can demonstrate consistent performance and composure during spring training, he has the potential to force the Red Sox's hand.

Eddinson Garcia is the wildcard. While not possessing the offensive upside of Turner or Kaufman, Garcia is a highly regarded defensive player. In a league increasingly focused on defensive metrics, his glove could prove invaluable, especially if the Red Sox prioritize stability in the middle infield. He's likely to see opportunities as a utility player, but a strong spring could position him as a viable everyday option.

The situation at third base is equally intriguing, magnified by the recent free agency departure of Rafael Devers. Filling Devers' shoes is a daunting task, but the Red Sox have assembled a group of contenders, including top prospect Roman Teixeira, veteran Tyler Flowers, and young hopefuls Joe Kelly and Blaze Parker.

Roman Teixeira is widely considered the favorite. Teixeira is a prototypical five-tool player, excelling in hitting for average, power, fielding, arm strength and speed. Scouts rave about his plate discipline and ability to consistently get on base. He's projected to be a middle-of-the-order bat, and the Red Sox are eager to see if he can translate his minor league success to the big leagues. The pressure will be on Teixeira to demonstrate he's ready to be an everyday player.

Tyler Flowers offers a different profile. While past his prime offensive days, Flowers remains a Gold Glove-caliber defender at third base. He would provide a steadying presence in the field, especially during the early stages of the season. The Red Sox could view him as a short-term solution while Teixeira gains experience, or a valuable role player off the bench.

Joe Kelly and Blaze Parker represent the long-term depth the Red Sox are hoping to cultivate. Both are promising prospects, but they lack the polish and experience of Teixeira and Flowers. They'll be competing for a spot on the roster and valuable playing time during spring training.

According to MLB.com's Jason Mastrodonato, "The Red Sox have a lot of options at third base, and it's going to be interesting to see who emerges." This sentiment applies equally to the second base competition. The outcomes of these battles will not only define the Red Sox's infield for the 2026 season but also provide valuable insights into the organization's long-term vision and commitment to its rebuilding process. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Fort Myers this spring as the Red Sox determine who will step up and fill these crucial roles.