Red Sox option Marcelo Mayer to Triple-A Worcester
The Red Sox have one of their “Big 3” prospects set to debut after making the Opening Day roster. Kristian Campbell was informed he will make the 26-man roster out of camp on Sunday night; meanwhile, fellow infield prospect Marcelo Mayer will need to wait a little longer.
Boston is optioning Mayer to Triple-A Worcester, as first reported by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Despite not making the Opening Day roster, Mayer will be with the team for the two-game exhibition series to play the Sultanes de Monterrey in Mexico.
Mayer had been battling for a spot on the Opening Day roster, competing with Kristan Campbell, Vaughn Grissom, and David Hamilton for the starting second base job.
The left-handed hitter who was drafted No. 4 overall in the 2021 MLB draft enjoyed a strong spring, hitting .333 (12-for-36) with two triples, one homer, 11 RBI, eight walks, and posting a .983 OPS.
The additions of Campbell, Hamilton, and Romy Gonzalez as locks for the 26-man roster don’t necessarily mean Mayer wasn’t ready. Campbell gives the Sox another right-handed bat in the lineup instead of Mayer. Even with the addition of Alex Berman this winter, the club still lacked a right-handed bat in their starting lineup.
It’s inevitable that Mayer will be with the big leagues this season; the smooth-hitting shortstop will get a taste of Triple-A hitting before he gets his chance to join Campbell with the Red Sox in Boston. Mayer was promoted to Worcester with the original “Big 3,” Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel, last August. He didn’t get to play an inning in front of the fans at Polar Park. Mayer was on the injured list with a lumbar injury at the time of the promotion and was eventually shut down for the rest of the season.
Mayer was enjoying a strong season, reinforcing him as one of the game's best prospects. In 77 games with Double-A Portland, he hit .307/.370/.480 with 8 homers, 36 extra-base hits, and 13 steals. The talented infielder’s injury resulted in his year being cut short for the second straight season. Two years ago, he saw his season end due to left shoulder inflammation.
With Trevor Story healthy, Bregman occupying third base, and Campbell the new starting second baseman, there’s not much room for Mayer in the infield. Mayer's minor league career saw him exclusively at shortstop, with only two games at third base.
Boston’s No. 3 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, will move around the WooSox’ infield playing second base, shortstop, and third base. The added layer of versatility will add to Mayer’s resume, helping to create an easier path to the Red Sox.
“I think he has the ability and maturity to be an all-the-way-around infielder,” Red Sox infield instructor Jose Flores said about Mayer at Fenway Fest in Boston back in January. “That being said, no doubt he can play the left side of the field. Obviously, second base will probably be a position that will be a little bit more awkward for him to learn at a faster pace just because it’s his blind side when turning double plays and all that. And it’s a little bit different. But it’s something that I know for a fact that he can pick up really fast. No doubt.”
Red Sox Notes: Kristian Campbell ‘blessed’ for opportunities with team this spring
With Opening Day less than a week away, the Red Sox roster is slowly taking shape. Boston has made some cuts, assigning players to Triple-A Worcester and minor league camp.