Red Sox Drop Positive Marcelo Mayer Update

The Boston Red Sox saw three of their best prospects debut last season in Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell and Roman Anthony. All three had very different seasons, with Mayer’s season ending with wrist surgery.

Unlike the other two members of the trio coined the “Big Three” before the season, Mayer has not signed an extension with the Red Sox. He still has plenty to prove, and Craig Breslow noted that he is recovering well from surgery.

“Everything went really, really well in terms of recovery,” Breslow told The Boston Herald’s Gabrielle Starr on Monday. “… He’s doing really well, stronger, he’s put on some weight. He looks more physical.”

Mayer was in Boston last week for a follow-up with the medical staff, per Starr. Mayer’s role to start the season is somewhat unclear, but the Red Sox will hope he can turn into a key player.

Mayer slashed .228/.272/.402 last season in 44 games. He played third base while Alex Bregman was hurt. However, if Bregman re-signs, Mayer could play a role at second base. When Kristian Campbell returns to the big leagues, the Red Sox would have to get creative to get Mayer and Campbell in the lineup consistently.

While Mayer’s overall numbers were not great, he was starting to figure things out at the big league level. He had a .296/.345/.407 slash line in his final 9 games.

Before the season, Mayer, Anthony and Campbell were the Red Sox’s top 3 prospects. Campbell made the opening day roster and signed an extension in April. Anthony debuted in June and signed an extension in August.

Mayer debuted in May, but unlike Campbell and Anthony, he did not have instant success in the big leagues. However, once he starts showing he can be a real difference maker, he could also be an extension candidate.