Back in 2021, Marcelo Mayer was the buzz of the baseball world as the top-rated high school player. Many expected him to be the first pick in that year’s MLB draft.
Instead, he slipped to fourth, landing with the Boston Red Sox as their highest pick since 1967. Expectations were sky-high for the Chula Vista, Calif., native.
Fast forward to 2024, Mayer was crowned the No. 1 prospect in the Red Sox system by MLB Pipeline. He debuted in the majors the following year, though his .674 OPS with four home runs was cut short by a wrist injury. Now, as the Red Sox gear up for their first spring training game, manager Alex Cora has delivered a candid message about Mayer’s chances of starting the season with the big league team.
Cora emphasized that Mayer needs to earn his spot, despite last year’s call-up. There's a possibility Mayer could start in Triple-A Worcester if he doesn’t prove himself during spring training.
The Red Sox kick off their season on the road against the Cincinnati Reds on March 26.
“If he wants to be the starting second baseman in Cincinnati, there's a lot of work to do,” Cora said. “It's not a given that he's second baseman or third baseman for this team.
There are a lot of things he needs to show us this spring, and we expect him to do that because he's that talented. But at the same time, there are a lot of guys here who can do the job.”
With Alex Bregman departing in free agency after a single season, it seemed Mayer might step in at third base. However, the Red Sox recently acquired Caleb Durbin, a 2025 National League Rookie of the Year finalist, from the Brewers.
Trevor Story appears set at shortstop, leaving second base up for grabs. Durbin is versatile enough to play there, but he’ll face competition from new acquisition Isiah Kiner-Falefa and utility player Nick Sogard.
Adding to the mix, the Red Sox signed former NL Gold Glover Brendan Rodgers to a minor league deal, and prospect Kristian Campbell, who began last season with the major league club before moving to Triple-A, is also in camp vying for a spot.
As the Red Sox open their spring training schedule against Northeastern, Cora has tapped No. 6 prospect Mikey Romero to start at second base. Mayer will need to shine to secure his place in this competitive lineup.