Predicting Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer’s timeline to the majors
By Hunter Noll
Outlining a possible timeline for Marcelo Mayer’s Boston Red Sox debut
The Boston Red Sox have made some moves this offseason, but not all of them went over well with the fans. This free agency period has given us a good idea of top prospect Marcelo Mayer’s timeline to the Major Leagues.
Let me explain.
Some were upset that the Red Sox didn’t bring in any big free agents. Most were upset that they failed to bring back homegrown superstar Xander Bogaerts. Boston did acquire some new talent though.
They’ve done a fantastic job building up the bullpen. Kenley Jansen is a proven closer, and Chris Martin was a strong pickup. Joely Rodriguez is an interesting left-handed piece as well.
Meanwhile, the lineup was bolstered by outfielder Masataka Yoshida. Then on Sunday, the Red Sox signed veteran infielder Justin Turner to a two-year deal.
And that brings us to Marcelo Mayer.
The left-handed hitter spent his first full season in the minors in 2022. He slashed .280/.399/.489 with 30 doubles, two triples, and 13 home runs in that time. Mayer drove in 53 runs, scored 61 more, and was a perfect 17-for-17 on stolen base attempts.
People have been quick to point out that he was only in Low-A and High-A in 2022, so they feel the .280 isn’t all that impressive.
Remember though, Mayer was 19. He got on base 40% of the time and showed great power potential. The speed was there as well, and he flashed a legit glove and a good arm. If you believe in the “eye test”, Mayer passed with flying colors.
So where does that put his timeline to make the Majors?
Well, let’s start with 2023. The now-20-year-old should start the year in High-A. He spent just 25 games there last year, finishing with 98 at-bats. It’s likely the Red Sox want him to get more reps at the level.
That being said, don’t expect Mayer to spend too long in Greenville. If he produces (and it’s not wise to bet against him), a promotion could be in the cards within the first two months. That gives him plenty of time in Double-A to finish out the year.
This would set up a 2024 scenario where Mayer is starting the year in Triple-A, with the door to the Majors being beaten down. At some point during that season, we would see his MLB debut.
You could have argued that this timeline might have felt a little fast (you still can if you want to). However, the Red Sox seem to agree with it. The two-year signing of Turner feels like a perfect indicator. He’s the veteran infielder that will help to bridge the gap to Mayer.
It seems like Boston doesn’t want to commit to a long-term shortstop with their top prospect looming.
With Marcelo Mayer finishing 2022 in High-A, Boston Red Sox fans may feel like he’s far from the Majors right now. 2024 is a very realistic ETA for the shortstop though, so you might not have to wait as long as you think.
