The "Big Three" moniker has been applied to iconic trios across all different sports, from LeBron, Bosh, and Wade to Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer, and even Kendrick, J.Cole, and Drake (Yes, in that order.)
The last time Boston experienced a "Big Three" was in 2008, when Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce joined forces. You know how the story goes, "Anything is possible," and so on.
Now, 13 years later, Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer have been dubbed Boston’s latest "Big Three." It’s weird to think of three twenty-somethings as the story of the Red Sox's coming season, and possibly the saviors of the squad, but, that’s exactly what they’ve become.
Anthony (MLB Pipeline's top positional prospect), Campbell (No. 7) and Mayer (No. 12) have been impressive throughout spring training. Even during the Spring Breakout exhibition game against the Rays’ top prospects, all three shined — each went yard in Boston’s loss to Tampa Bay. Their accolades from last season impressed fans across MLB, like Campbell being named Minor League Player of the Year, Anthony being named the top prospect, and Mayer slashing .307/.370/.480 before a lumbar injury that sidelined him for the rest of the 2024 season.
The first of the "Big Three" to make his major league debut will be Campell after making the Red Sox opening day roster. With the Red Sox having a desperate need for a second baseman and a right-handed hitter, Campbell alleviates a heavily left-handed lineup. While Red Sox fans have been itching to see a potentially stacked outfield with Wilyer Abreu, Anthony and Jarren Duran, keeping Anthony and Mayer in Triple-A Worcester might be the best call.
In August, Anthony and Mayer were promoted to Triple-A Worcester together. Anthony played at the Triple-A level for a little over a month before the season ended, while Mayer never made his debut due to injury. While Anthony played all over the outfield and was batting a .344, the Red Sox outfield can't be made up of entirely left-handed batting. Even though Mayer has yet to suit up for the WooSox, Roman Anthony only played 35 games. Keeping them in Worcester to continue developing and get more at-bats is the conservative approach.
The 'Big Three' will be the future of the Red Sox franchise in due time, possibly beginning this year
The Red Sox, especially after the offseason they had, have the luxury of being conservative, and patient while not rushing their future stars to the majors. Their talent is undeniable, and it’s not a matter of if they will make the Red Sox roster, but when. Anthony and Mayer will both likely debut this season, but there’s no need to rush it.
Mayer has played exceptionally well at every level when healthy. He has the intangibles and just needs to prove himself in Worcester before he moves up to Boston. Trevor Story has struggled with injuries in the past and seems to be healthy heading into opening day. If Mayer can stay healthy and rise to the occasion, which he consistently has done, he could be on the Red Sox roster by the summer.
Anthony is probably the most talked-about prospect in baseball. With his raw power and athleticism, he's a walking home run highlight. While hitting homers and setting Portland Sea Dogs records with a 116 MPH exit velocity, his defense is what sets him apart and makes him an intriguing center-field option. He has the arm strength and speed to play center field effectively, but at 20 years old, developing his reads and instincts will be crucial in determining whether he sticks at the position long-term or eventually shifts to left field.
Both Anthony and Mayer are essential in the long-term goals on the Red Sox franchise. Most likely, they will join Campbell in the majors this year. Both have everything needed to contribute to the Red Sox this season, but refining small things they can do in Triple-A Worcester would help make them impact players for the 2025 season and beyond.