Selecting No. 4 overall in the MLB Draft Sunday, the Red Sox didn't land pitcher Jack Leiter like some had hoped, but they did land high school shortstop Marcelo Mayer, who some considered the best overall player in the draft.
The 18-year-old comes from Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, California.
Here's what the experts have to say about him.
MLB.com: "Over the course of the summer showcase circuit, a pair of high school shortstops separated themselves as the top two prep position players in the country. The first is Jordan Lawlar from Texas and the second is Mayer, who hails from the same Eastlake High School that has produced first-rounders Adrian Gonzalez, and more recently, Keoni Cavaco. Mayer has performed like someone who belonged near the top of the Draft this spring.
He has average or above tools across the board, starting with a plus feel to hit from the left side of the plate. He has an advanced approach and knowledge of the strike zone to go with elite bat-to-ball skills and a pure stroke. Long and lean, there’s a lot of raw power for him to grow into, with some scouts seeing a Corey Seager-like offensive profile if it all comes together.
While not a burner -- some scouts have a tick above-average run grades, some have fringy ones -- no one doubts Mayer will be able to stay at shortstop for a long time. He has easy actions, plus hands and footwork and an arm that plays plus. All of it plays up because of his instincts and aptitude, in a Brandon Crawford kind of way. He’s committed to Southern Cal, but as a potential first-round pick, the odds of him setting foot on campus are slim."
Fangraphs: "Mayer wasn't at as many national events during the 2020 summer since, like most West Coast prospects, he was farthest away from the Southeast states with loose COVID restrictions where they were held. Working in Mayer's favor is that many decision-making team personnel had already seen plenty of him since he shared an infield with former Twins first round pick Keoni Cavaco, and at the time Cavaco was drafted, area scouts thought that Mayer was already the better prospect. This is the most well-rounded player in the draft, a teenage shortstop with a chance to hit for contact, power, and stay at a premium defensive position. He is rhythmic and quiet in the box, covers the whole strike zone, and has surprising power for how effortless his swing is, including to the opposite field. Mayer is a waist-bender and a below-average runner, so there are some club personnel who believe he won't be a shortstop long-term, but he has the hands, actions, and arm strength for the position."
ESPN: "While Jordan Lawlar might be the top prep player in this draft right now, Mayer has more upside as a 6-foot-3 left-handed-hitting shortstop. From the same San Diego-area high school program that produced former No. 1 overall pick Adrian Gonzalez, Mayer's only below-average tool is his speed, but he still projects as an above-average defender at shortstop because of his footwork, arm strength and hands.
Jack Leiter and Henry Davis were the two players most often connected to the Red Sox going into draft night, but instead they end up with a player many thought would go No. 1 overall. If Mayer grows into his tools, he has the potential to be a Corey Seager-esque performer who has the glove to stick at a premium position."
