Marcelo Mayer ‘Needs’ To Make This Change For Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have seen enough to be excited about their future with Marcelo Mayer — but there are some things that need to change.

Mayer has never completed a full professional baseball season, for one, having dealt with significant wrist, shoulder and back injuries since being drafted No. 4 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow would like to see that unfortunate trend conclude, and issued something of a challenge to the sophomore infielder during his media availability in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

“He needs to get bigger and stronger and be able to shoulder the workload of a full season,” Breslow said, as transcribed by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “That’s what the conversations have centered around. To his credit, he’s committed to it. We’re really excited about what he’s going to become and what he’ll bring to spring training.”

Boston hasn’t committed to his role moving forward, but with openings at both second base and third base, there should be an opportunity for him to find a permanent home — so long as he stays healthy and improves offensively.

Mayer slashed just .228/.272/.402 with four home runs, eight doubles across 136 plate appearances across 44 games — while only really playing against right-handers.

“We saw a gifted defender,” Breslow said. “… I think that versatility is going to be incredibly helpful. I think he can play above-average defense, probably, anywhere on the infield… I think (getting stronger) could help him hit the ball harder and more consistently, but I think more than anything it will just help him manage the workload of a full season.”

If you can pair a consistent bat with his stellar defense, you’ve got yourself an awesome everyday option on either side of shortstop Trevor Story.