No. 2: Red Sox shortstop prospect Marcelo Mayer
We got our first look at Marcelo Mayer in a full season in the minor leagues in 2022. Mayer wasted zero time establishing himself as one of the best prospects in baseball. Okay, most people already knew that. But 2022 was his chance to prove his status, and Mayer did just that.
The left-handed hitter slashed .280/.399/.489 with 30 doubles, two triples, and 13 home runs between Low-A and High-A this season. He drove in 53 runs, scored 61 more, and went a perfect 17-for-17 on stolen base attempts as well.
It’s a shame the High-A season ended when it did because Mayer was on an absolute roll to end the year. He ended with three-straight multi-hit games and was 14-for-31 (.452/.553/.710) in September.
That ending served as proof of just how good Mayer is. After dominating in Low-A, it took him just a few weeks to get comfortable in High-A. And he was ready to terrorize a whole new group of pitchers.
There are no weaknesses in Mayer’s game. He has a gorgeous swing and a great eye. A bunch of .300-plus seasons could be in his future. He also has the potential to hit 20-25 home runs every year, with some 30-plus seasons sprinkled in.
Mayer isn’t a burner, but he has good speed and he’s extremely smart on the base paths. He’ll steal some bases every year and might give us a couple of those Dustin Pedroia-type years where he finds his way into 20 steals while almost never being caught.
Defensively, Mayer has really shined. He looks so smooth at shortstop. Not only making the routine plays but showing off a lot of range and athleticism to make spectacular ones as well. His arm looks to be plus as well, with great strength and accuracy.
It was baffling when Marcelo Mayer fell to the Boston Red Sox with the fourth pick of the 2021 MLB Draft back when it happened. A little over a year later, it makes even less sense. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth though, I guess.
Hit: 70
Power: 65
Run: 60
Arm: 65
Field: 70
Overall: 65