Red Sox Prospect Marcelo Mayer Makes Stance Known About Big Leap Ahead

Top Boston Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer made a strong case this spring that he’s ready for the big leagues.

That comes without the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft having never played at Triple-A Worcester. Mayer was called up to that level late last year but never appeared in any games due to a back issue.

Mayer certainly gave the Red Sox brass plenty to think about with roster decisions coming over the next week with Opening Day fast approaching. However it shakes out, Mayer is confident that he’s ready for the jump to the majors at 22 years old.

“Yeah, I think so,” Mayer told reporters following Wednesday’s spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at JetBlue Park, per The Boston Globe. “Like I said, though all that stuff is out of my control, the front office makes all those decisions, I feel ready. You know, I feel like I’m in a good spot, mentally, physically, I’m swinging it well, so see what happens.”

The Red Sox might be eager to carve out a spot for Mayer on the big-league roster, which might explain why Mayer found himself playing second base in Wednesday’s contest.

The position battle was a two-player race between Kristian Campbell and David Hamilton, but it’s clear the Red Sox want to give Mayer a look there. It makes sense with the left side of the infield, where Mayer usually plays, blocked by Trevor Story and Alex Bregman.

Mayer held his own at the middle infield spot, starting a double play early in the game. He also had an RBI triple in the second inning. That continued a terrific spring for Mayer, in which he is slashing .355/.444/1.025 with one home run and 10 RBIs.

Suiting up at second might very well be Mayer’s path to the big leagues this season. Whether that comes next week or potentially later in the season isn’t bogging down Mayer, though.

“I think the biggest thing is playing multiples as soon as you get more at-bats, you know,” Mayer said. “So for me, it’s just about getting at-bats right now, getting ready for the season that’s in big leagues to the big leagues. If it’s into Triple-A, it’s for Triple-A. But right now, I’m just focused on getting ready for the year.”