Red Sox Prospect Mayer Ready for Position Switch, Eyes MLB Roster Spot
Top Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer isn’t just eyeing his first big-league Spring Training – he’s ready to play wherever the team needs him to break camp with the major league club.
Mayer, currently ranked No. 3 in Boston’s system by SoxProspects and No. 4 overall in baseball by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, has been taking reps across the infield this offseason. It’s a smart move, considering Boston’s biggest immediate need is at second base.
“I was the one who reached out to them and told them ‘Hey, I’m available to play anywhere in the infield. If you guys want me to play in the outfield, I’ll do that too,'” Mayer said on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. “I just want to be a big leaguer. So, for me, it’s wherever I get the opportunity to play, thats’ where I’m willing to play.”
The 22-year-old shortstop is coming off an impressive but shortened 2023 season at Double-A Portland, where he hit .307 with an .850 OPS, eight homers, and 13 stolen bases in 77 games before a back injury ended his year early.
Now healthy, Mayer’s focusing on making an impact this spring. “I’m definitely really excited to be around those guys, be around the coaching staff and pick their brains,” he said. “My goal is to break camp, obviously. That’s what I’m striving for.”
The 2021 first-round pick’s versatility and willingness to move positions could accelerate his path to the majors. While health remains the key question – he’s missed significant time with injuries – Mayer’s shown he has the bat to contribute when he’s on the field.
His defensive flexibility and strong offensive showing in Double-A suggest he could be ready for the next step. The way he handles his first big league camp will likely determine if that step comes sooner rather than later.
