Top Red Sox Prospect Makes Noteworthy Reveal About New Plan

At Fenway Fest earlier this month, Red Sox manager Alex Cora revealed Marcelo Mayer was going to add work at second and third base to his training regimen.

But as it turns out, that plan didn’t completely derive from Boston coaches.

During an appearance on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast, Mayer revealed he was the one who got the ball rolling on bolstering his versatility.

“I’ve been taking reps all offseason at second, third and short,” Mayer told Rob Bradford. “Really, I was the one who reached out to them and told them, ‘Hey, I’m available to play anywhere in the field. If you want me to play the outfield, I’ll do that, too.’ I just want to be a big leaguer. So, for me, it’s just wherever I get the opportunity to play, that’s where I’m willing to play.”

Mayer also told Bradford he vocalized his willingness to play other positions at the start of the offseason in November. So, when the Red Sox open spring training next month, the 22-year-old already will have a few months’ worth of training at other spots.

Versatility obviously is a great trait for any baseball player to have. But by taking the initiative with his coaches, Mayer showcased another admirable asset: wanting to help the team win in any way he can.