Young Red Sox Star Provides Injury Update As Pressure On Him Grows

The Boston Red Sox lost Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs this offseason and were unable to sign a marquee free agent to replace him in the hot corner.

The Red Sox reportedly pursued Bo Bichette, but were unable to land him. He could have been an option at third base, which is the position he will reportedly play for the New York Mets. Now, the Red Sox will likely turn to Marcelo Mayer in the hot corner.

Mayer played third base in 29 games last season, with most of his time coming when Bregman was hurt. However, with Bregman gone and no replacement signed, Mayer could be the opening day third baseman. After suffering a season-ending wrist injury in July, Mayer provided an update on where he is.

“I feel good,” Mayer told The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham in a story published on Monday. “I’m pretty much doing full baseball activities like a normal ramp-up. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”

If Bregman had stayed, Mayer would likely have been at second base, sharing time with some other players as well. However, now he has an opportunity to earn the everyday third base job.

He posted a plus-two outs above average in the hot corner last season, but his offense was not great. He had a .674 OPS in 44 games. However, Abraham noted he has added 10 pounds per the team’s request, and that could help his production.

“My goal right now is just to get to spring training in the best shape I can and go out there and perform,” Mayer told Abraham. “You’re in the big leagues now. For me the real work starts now. I’ve definitely gotten after it this offseason. You learn from experience what you need to work on.”

Mayer was a first-round pick in 2021 and a highly ranked prospect before making his debut. He was the No. 12 prospect in baseball before the season, and now has a chance to become a star for the Red Sox. Before his injury, he was starting to figure things out at the plate as well.

In his final 15 games, he slashed .262/.295/.357. He still lacked power, but his batting average in that stretch was far better than the .212 average he had in his first 29 games. He had four home runs last season. His career high in home runs in the minor leagues was 13. Hopefully, the weight he added can translate to better power numbers.

Injuries have plagued him since being drafted, and he will look to finally play more than 91 games in a season for the Red Sox organization next season.