Why the Red Sox shouldn't give up on Marcelo Mayer despite internal concerns
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Why the Red Sox shouldn't give up on Marcelo Mayer despite internal concerns originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Just two years ago, the Boston Red Sox had four top MLB prospects in their farm that were supposed to be the future cornerstones of the franchise: Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer, and Kyle Teel.
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Unfortunately, “The Big Four” never came to pass. Teel was traded for Garrett Crochet, Campbell turned out to be a bust, and Anthony has been riddled with injury. The only person who has stayed on the roster long term so far is Mayer, and even he has his critics inside Boston.
Mayer was an elite prospect
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsComing up the pipeline, Mayer was elite. He was Boston’s top prospect until Anthony came up, and was doing great in the minors. Throughout rookie ball to AAA, he slashed .263/.343/.441/.784 with 104 doubles, 53 home runs, and 237 RBI in 429 games played.
When he was called up, he was supposed to be the Red Sox’s answer to third when Alex Bregman was injured, and take over second upon his return. However, in his career so far, he hasn't risen to the challenge.
He hasn’t broken through in the MLB
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
In 114 career MLB games, Mayer is only slashing .223/.278/.346/.625 with 18 doubles, 7 home runs, and 32 RBI. According to MassLive’s Sean McAdam, due to this unimpressive statline, people within the organization are doubting his ability to be a future star.
“Some question his mental toughness and his tendency to withdraw during slumps. Others wonder if he couldn’t do a better job making himself more available through the day-to-day minor physical setbacks that inevitably occur.”
However, this probably isn’t signaling the end of his time in Boston.
His future in Boston is still pretty clear
Eric Canha - Imagn Images
Mayer still shows that he has great potential, even if he is a streaky player that has yet to break through.
If Boston is smart, they’ll have him talk to Caleb Durbin to go to Gradium Gswing, who fixed Durbin from being Boston’s worst hitter to arguably one of their best. Overall, Mayer is here to stay, at least for now. He needs time to grow, and become the star he knows he can be.
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