With Alex Bregman Sidelined, Red Sox Call Up Top Prospect Marcelo Mayer
In a bold and exciting move, the Boston Red Sox have called up one of their top prospects, Marcelo Mayer, from Triple-A Worcester. The decision comes in the wake of Alex Bregman’s injury, which is expected to keep the veteran infielder out of action for several weeks. Mayer, the fourth overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, is widely regarded as the future of the Red Sox infield—and now, the future has arrived sooner than expected.
An Opportunity Born from Adversity
The Red Sox confirmed on Monday that Bregman, who has been a steady presence at third base since arriving from Houston, suffered a moderate hamstring strain during Sunday’s game. While the team has yet to provide a precise timeline for his return, manager Alex Cora indicated Bregman will “miss some time,” opening the door for Mayer’s highly anticipated MLB debut.
Rather than shifting other veterans or making a temporary trade, the Red Sox have chosen to reward Mayer’s stellar performance at the Triple-A level. The 21-year-old shortstop was slashing .271/.347/.471 with 12 home runs, 15 doubles, and 42 RBIs over 58 games for the Worcester Red Sox this season. He’s shown consistent plate discipline, a developing power stroke, and the kind of defensive range that scouts have raved about since his high school days.
Cora: “He’s Earned This
Manager Alex Cora addressed the call-up in a pregame press conference at Fenway Park. “Marcelo has done everything we’ve asked of him—and then some,” Cora said. “He’s mature beyond his years. He’s been patient, and he’s been a leader in Worcester. This is a great opportunity for him to show what he can do at the next level.”
Cora acknowledged that while Mayer is a natural shortstop, he will likely see time at both shortstop and third base in Bregman’s absence. “He’s versatile enough, and we’ll make sure to ease him into the role. We’re not asking him to carry the team, just to play his game,” he added.
A Big Moment for a Big Talent
Marcelo Mayer, long viewed as the crown jewel of Boston’s farm system, has been under the spotlight since he fell to the Red Sox at No. 4 in the 2021 draft—a move that was widely considered a steal at the time. Comparisons have ranged from Corey Seager to Carlos Correa, but Mayer has stayed grounded, focusing on development rather than hype.
Speaking to reporters just hours before his debut, Mayer expressed a mix of gratitude and determination. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve worked hard every day for this. Now it’s about going out there, helping the team win, and enjoying every moment.
He also acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the opportunity. “You never want to see a guy like Alex go down. He’s someone I’ve looked up to. I just hope I can step in and contribute while he gets healthy.”
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Red Sox Nation wasted no time reacting to the news. Social media lit up with excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating Mayer’s first at-bat in the big leagues. MLB analysts also weighed in, with many noting that Mayer’s promotion is one of the most anticipated debuts of the 2025 season.
“Marcelo Mayer has the tools to be a star,” MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds said. “Boston might have just gotten a major jolt to their playoff hopes.”
Looking Ahead
The Red Sox are currently in the thick of the AL East race, and with Bregman sidelined, Mayer’s emergence could be a key storyline over the coming weeks. Whether he sticks around for the long term or returns to Triple-A once Bregman is healthy, one thing is clear Marcelo Mayer’s moment is now.
