Alex Bregman's return is on the horizon as he recovers from a quad strain, providing a glimmer of hope for the Boston Red Sox amid a frustrating season. The 31-year-old third baseman's impressive statistics, including a .299 batting average and .938 OPS over just 51 games, earned him an All-Star nod despite the limited playtime. Bregman aims to rejoin the lineup by the end of this week or shortly after the All-Star break.

With Bregman sidelined, rookie Marcelo Mayer has stepped up but faces challenges, managing only a .214 batting average and a .665 OPS. The Red Sox's current standing in the AL East is precarious, with an opportunity to capitalize on the struggles of other teams like the New York Yankees. Bregman's impending return could bolster their play and possibly influence his future in Boston, particularly with his opt-out option looming.

The Boston Red Sox remain in contention for a postseason spot despite a lackluster season, sitting just 2.5 games out of the wild card position. A potential boost comes with the expected return of Alex Bregman, which would stabilize their infield. With Bregman back, top prospect Marcelo Mayer could transition to second base, while Kristian Campbell continues to develop in Triple-A.

Rumors suggest the Red Sox may also target Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins. Castro, an All-Star last year, has improved his performance this season, boasting a .24/.362/.435 line with seven homers. His addition could significantly aid the Red Sox's playoff aspirations as they aim to enhance their infield depth and overall competitiveness.

With Alex Bregman poised to return, the Boston Red Sox face tough decisions regarding their infield prospects. The emergence of Marcelo Mayer and the presence of Trevor Story complicate matters. Mayer, who has already adapted to playing third base, expresses his willingness to take on any role needed, highlighting his versatility. Despite struggling early in his MLB career, with a .208 batting average and a concerning strikeout-to-walk ratio, the Red Sox must prioritize developing their young talent. This season is crucial for Mayer's growth as he learns to navigate the challenges of Major League Baseball.

As the MLB season progresses, three rising stars present lucrative opportunities for fantasy baseball managers. Kyle Teel, the White Sox's catcher, has shown promise in his short stint with a decent on-base percentage. Samuel Basallo of the Orioles is making waves in Triple-A with impressive power numbers, hinting at a potential call-up soon. Meanwhile, Ronny Mauricio of the Mets is regaining his form after recovering from a severe injury, showing flashes of his previous power-hitting prowess.

Teel's early success at the plate, including multiple walks and a solid batting average, hints at a bright future as a No. 2 catcher option. Basallo, hitting home runs frequently, should be monitored closely as he could quickly become a starting option in the majors. Meanwhile, Mauricio's versatility as a switch-hitter and his ability to steal bases could make him a valuable asset in category leagues as he continues to regain his rhythm.

In Week 12 of the fantasy baseball season, multi-position eligibility is a significant asset. Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins, despite being slightly above the rostered threshold, has seen a surge in performance, making him a hot target. His eligibility at multiple positions increases his utility on fantasy rosters, especially with favorable matchups against the Reds.

Jose Caballero, playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, is another strong candidate, especially for managers seeking stolen bases. Despite a low batting average, his speed on the bases has made him a valuable asset lately.

In deeper leagues, keep an eye on Marcelo Mayer of the Boston Red Sox, who has shown promise since his promotion, and Hyeseong Kim of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who can contribute across various categories. Lastly, for the deepest leagues, Otto Lopez and DJ LeMahieu are worth considering as they display potential for significant contributions alongside favorable matchups.