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Alex Cora Reveals Probable Starting Second Baseman for Red Sox

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Mar 18, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox’s most compelling competition is at second base. Vaughn Grissom played there in 2024, and big-time prospect Kristian Campbell is talented but will likely start in triple-A.

So, who is the front-runner?

Here’s what Cora had to say on David Hamilton, via Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe:

“The structure of the roster is important,” Cora said. “One thing for sure, [Hamilton] has played well at short, at second, the at-bats are really good. And, obviously, what he could do on the base path (is huge)…He bunted. Stole second…So that matters, especially with the brand of baseball we want to play.”

Hamilton started just 28 games at second base last year, but despite coming into this race as a dark horse, he seems likely to be the guy on Opening Day.

He showed some ability at the plate during his first full campaign with a .248 batting average and .697 OPS over 98 games. However, he will need to improve upon his .303 OBP to become a fixture in the lineup.

As Cora mentioned, Hamilton has excellent speed. Last season, he went 33 for 37 on steal attempts, and if he can get on base more, he is a legitimate candidate for 40 steals.

Not every player can slug like Rafael Devers or bring the well-roundedness of Jarren Duran, and players like Hamilton can still provide value in a lesser role. He can bunt, put the ball in play, and act as a pest at the bottom of the order.

Hamilton is also only 27 years old, and despite all the talk of Campbell and the incoming prospects class, his best ball is still ahead of him. More consistent opportunities and an improved on-base percentage may lead to a quietly effective campaign for Hamilton.

Even if he is a stopgap for the inevitable debut of Campbell (or if Grissom rises the ranks), Hamilton is an under-the-radar speedster for the Red Sox in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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