BOSTON RED SOX TOP 10 PROSPECTS
1. MARCELO MAYER, SS
AGE: 19. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 188. DRAFTED: HS—Chula Vista, Calif., 2021 (1st round). SIGNED BY: J.J. Altobelli.
TRACK RECORD: Eastlake High featured an eventual first-rounder in 2019 in third baseman Keoni Cavaco, but whenever Red Sox area scout J.J. Altobelli went to see Cavaco, he invariably started raving about sophomore shortstop Marcelo Mayer. Based on his performance as an underclassman as well as a summer with Team USA’s 18U National team in 2019, Mayer entered 2021 as one of the top players in the draft class and never disappointed. He batted .397/.555/.886 with 14 home runs, 31 walks and eight strikeouts, while showing ease and fluidity both in the batter’s box and at shortstop. He was viewed as a candidate to go first overall in the 2021 draft, and the Red Sox felt the chances he’d get to them were remote. But when he remained available at No. 4 overall, Boston’s highest selection in more than 50 years, the organization was elated. Mayer signed for $6,664,000 to forgo a Southern California commitment and immediately stood out as the top prospect in the Florida Complex League.
Mayer is a natural, graceful player with an advanced feel for the strike zone and the ability to manipulate the barrel with a sweet, lefthanded swing. His swing is mechanically sound and allows him to take a versatile offensive approach, alternately drilling line drives and turning on pitches to get to power. He will swing and miss at times, but with his strong plate discipline and good swing
