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What to Expect from Red Sox Infielder Marcelo Mayer

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated May 25, 2025 1:21 PM ET

On May 24, multiple outlets reported that Marcelo Mayer is on his way to the Red Sox. Thanks to an injury to third baseman Alex Bregman, Mayer will get his first turn at MLB pitching. It’s been an interesting road for Mayer to the Majors. However, Mayer showed why he’s considered an elite prospect in Triple-A.

A Look at Mayer

Four years ago, Marcelo Mayer was in the conversation to go first overall in the 2021 MLB Draft. Arguably believed to be the best high schooler available, the Red Sox picked him fourth overall. Thus, he became a future cornerstone piece for Boston.

Since then, it’s been a steady climb up the ladder for Mayer, who’s been slowed down at times. He hit 13 home runs in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The latter campaign was a difficult one for Mayer, as he posted just a .609 OPS and 49 strikeouts over 43 games.

He showcased more doubles power last season with Portland — but overall, he had an outstanding 2024 campaign. The Red Sox prospect hit .307, along with a .370 OBP and .480 SLG, buoyed largely by 28 doubles.

Mayer received a promotion to Worcester (AAA) late last summer. However, he never suited up for the WooSox thanks to a lumbar strain. Injures have been a somewhat recurring issue for Mayer. He spent time on the IL every year from 2022 to 2024. Mayer’s never played more than 91 games in a season.

He returned to start 2025 and hit very well. He slashed .271/.347/.471 (.818 OPS) before the promotion.

The 22-year-old is a strong hitter with a pretty swing, keeping the front shoulder tucked in & able to just turn on mistake pitches in a blink. Mayer hit for plenty power down in Triple-A, with nine home runs and 15 extra-base hits over 43 games, along with a .200 ISO.

Another positive sign for Mayer is the fact the numbers on the statsheet reflected his refined polish. Mayer was more of a strikeout hitter going back to 2022 (25.2%) but as he progressed, he avoided striking out (19.7% K% in 2025).

He mostly avoided bad chases out, as he hacked at 23.1% of pitches outside the strike zone. Mayer did see a lot of action out of the zone, hence why he walked at a rate above 10% in Triple-A.

Marcelo Mayer Swing Map AAA 2025 (5.24) — As of May 24, 2025. Heat map indicates where pitches ultimately land. Via New Baseball Media

Defensively, Mayer was regarded as a strong defender in high school at shortstop. He profiles as an everday shortstop but one thing to note is the Red Sox have given him time at second and third this season, important given the logjam of infielders Boston had at the MLB level.

Analysis

Heading into 2025, it appeared more likel that Roman Anthony would get a look at the MLB level before Mayer. However, Mayer — who hadn’t played in Triple-A before 2025 — will join fellow youngster Kristian Campbell, a byproduct of the Red Sox’s current depth chart.

Forget about the fact that Trevor Story batted .169/.213/.225 (.438 OPS) over his first 75 plate appearances, as well as Campbell’s well-documented struggles as he adapts to MLB pitching. Boston needs depth, especially given Alex Bregman‘s quad injury.

Bregman left the Sox’s game on May 23 and on the 24th, it was indicated by manager Alex Core that he’ll likely need an IL stint. Mayer, comfortable on the left side of the infield, figures to be an option there in the interim.

However, Boston wouldn’t push Mayer up if the bat wasn’t ready. His strong year in Worcester proved he’s just about there.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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