Whit Merrifield, who turns 35 in January and can also play the outfield, is the top available free agent second baseman and would make a lot of sense for the Red Sox on a short-term deal. Elvis Andrus, Adam Frazier, Tony Kemp and Jonathan Schoop are among the veteran options and the Sox could look to get creative by moving someone like Gio Urshela or Nick Ahmed from another position to second. The trade market boasts options like Minnesota’s Jorge Polanco, Cincinnati’s Jonathan India and the Angels’ Brandon Drury. Again, a long-term addition at the position seems unlikely considering Mayer is coming. But the Red Sox should be on the lookout for a clear upgrade, at least for 2024, and don’t have anyone in the organization who projects as an everyday starter.