Why This Red Sox Prospect Has Most Fascinating Spring Training Fit

Marcelo Mayer truly started the next wave of Boston Red Sox prospect talent as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.

Injuries have slightly slowed his development, including the end of his 2024 season where he looked the part of a future star. The Red Sox infield prospect hit .307 with an .850 OPS in 77 games at Double-A Portland.

Manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow showed real excitement for Mayer’s time in big-league camp this spring training. The question to answer is where Mayer fits on the Red Sox roster when he inevitably makes his MLB debut.

Kristian Campbell and Vaughn Grissom populate the most exciting position battle for Boston at second base. Trevor Story has three more years on his contract at shortstop. Rafael Devers is the third baseman and the two candidates the Red Sox remain connected to have played third base their entire careers in Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado.

Mayer developed as a shortstop and has a frame that could potentially project at third base. Would he work in the second base competition? Maybe, but the current contenders also make sense situationally as right-handed bats in a left-handed heavy lineup.

Obviously at one point or another, talent forces hard decisions and Mayer is capable of forcing that good problem for the Red Sox. While he probably won’t debut until the summer, Mayer can make a real statement with versatility and production if he’s able to show both qualities this spring training.