The Boston Red Sox have officially announced the promotion of their highly anticipated infield prospect, Marcelo Mayer. This long-awaited move comes in light of third baseman Alex Bregman being placed on the injury list due to a right quad strain sustained while running to first base during Friday night's game. Bregman, who has been a key player for the Red Sox, was batting an impressive .299 with a .938 OPS over the course of 51 games. His injury represents a significant loss for the team, but it simultaneously opens the door for Mayer, a player many have been eager to see in the major leagues.
Marcelo Mayer, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, has been a fixture at the top of the Red Sox farm system for the past four years. Although his rise was hindered by injuries, this season he has demonstrated that he is more than ready for the challenges of major league baseball. In 43 games with Triple-A Worcester, Mayer recorded a .271 batting average along with an .818 OPS, including nine home runs, five doubles, and a triple, while showcasing his defensive skills across three infield positions.
Historically, Mayer played primarily at shortstop, but the Red Sox have been expanding his defensive repertoire this season to enhance his chances of sticking on the major league roster. In Worcester, he has spent 29 games at shortstop, nine at second base, and four at third base. This strategic move aims to provide more flexibility for the team as they navigate their roster needs. Manager Alex Cora has expressed high praise for Mayer’s defensive capabilities, stating, “Good defender, he can move, he can play shortstop at the big-league level.”
While Mayer's offensive game has shown improvement, there are still areas that need refinement. According to Keith Law, Mayer has yet to fully address a stiff front leg that affects his ability to handle pitches in the lower zone, leading to a higher whiff rate on sliders and cutters. To succeed in the majors, addressing this issue will be crucial for Mayer. Last season, Mayer's campaign was cut short due to a low back strain that prevented him from debuting in Triple-A, despite an earlier promotion.
In his previous stint at Double-A Portland, Mayer excelled with a .307 batting average and an .850 OPS over 77 games, hitting eight home runs. This season, he faced a shoulder injury that limited him to 73 games, following a wrist sprain in 2022 that restricted him to 91 games. Mayer's resilience has been commendable, and he has shown great potential throughout his journey.
During spring training, Mayer stood out alongside fellow prospects Roman Anthony and current Red Sox infielder Kristian Campbell. They impressed the coaching staff with their maturity and ability to adapt to the major league environment. However, when the season commenced, only Campbell made the big league roster, leaving Mayer and Anthony in Triple-A to refine their skills. With Bregman's injury, Mayer is set to join Campbell in Boston, where he is expected to contribute significantly.
With the current injury situation, Mayer is likely to see time at third base, especially with infielder Nick Sogard also getting opportunities at the corner position. Following the season-ending knee injury to first baseman Triston Casas, the Red Sox have been experimenting with Campbell at first base, which has created an opening for Mayer at second base. Given that Trevor Story has been struggling with consistency, there may also be opportunities for Mayer at shortstop. Regardless, the Marcelo Mayer era in Boston is officially underway, and fans are eager to see what this promising young talent will bring to the field.
Photo of Mayer during spring training: WooSox Photo / Ashley Green / Imagn Images
