The life and times of Marcelo Mayer
The Red Sox have released their non-roster invitees to major league camp, which starts is just a couple of weeks. And some names will, obviously, will draw more interest than others.
One name that jumps out more than almost any other: Marcelo Mayer.
Mayer, of course, is the Red Sox' first-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, serving as the fourth selection overall. And while he has managed an .828 OPS over his 272 minor league games, the shortstop has yet to play in a Triple-A game with his development delayed by various injuries.
Now, living life in his first big league camp, Mayer is getting his best opportunity yet. And he knows it.
"It’s definitely more exciting," Mayer said when appearing on the Baseball Isn't Boring Podcast. "I’m going into my first big league spring training, which is exciting as far as the work that I put in during the offseason. Nothing really changes. I’m still getting after it the same. I’m still doing everything I need to do. I’m excited being around those guys, being around the coaching staff. Kind of pick their brain. My goal is to break camp (on the Opening Day roster), obviously. That is what I’m striving for. Obviously, a lot of that is out of my control. But my goal is to just go out there and play as hard as I possibly can every day.
"I’ve been taking reps all offseason at second, third and short. Really, 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 the outfield, I’ll do that, too.’ Like I said, I just want to be a big leaguer. So for me it’s wherever I get the opportunity to play, that’s where I will be willing to play."
It would appear as though Mayer's best chance at achieving his goal of making the majors coming out of spring training would be as a second baseman, with Trevor Story and Rafael Devers locked in at shortstop and third base, respectively.
If the Red Sox don't make another move to add a veteran infielder, there would seem to be competition for playing time at second. The candidates would include fellow top prospect Kristian Campbell along with Ceddanne Rafaela, David Hamilton and Vaughn Grissom. (Campbell, Rafaela and Grissom all hit from the right side, while Hamilton and Mayer are lefty hitters.)
"I wouldn’t say anything is weird. I would just say it’s different," Mayer said when asked about the differences when it comes to playing second base. "The throw is way easier than short, obviously. But the turn to second is a little bit different. And then the footwork on double plays is different. I wouldn’t say it’s more difficult. I would just say it’s a little different."
Then there is the intrigue of the outfield.
While the position would be the most foreign to Mayer, his athleticism is making such a move a possibility, according to both Mayer and some in the organization. With fellow 2021 first-rounder Jackson Merrill - also drafted as a high school shortstop - making the successful move with the Padres last season, it is a possibility that shouldn't be overlooked.
"I’m not just grouped to shortstop," he said. "Obviously, I have played shortstop my whole life and that’s where I’m comfortable at. I have been working really hard this offseason at third, at second, taking some reps in the outfield, too, off the bat. Just trying to get my feet wet. I’m willing to play anywhere on the field if that’s what it takes to make it to the big leagues."