Red Sox’s Marcelo Mayer: Speedier, Stronger, Ready to Win Job

Marcelo Mayer is stepping into Red Sox camp with a clear mission: shake the injury-prone label that’s shadowed his career since Boston drafted him fourth overall in 2021.

After injuries limited him to 91 games or fewer each season and led to right wrist surgery during his rookie year, Mayer spent the off-season rebuilding his body and tweaking his game.

He showed up at camp at 220 pounds—the heaviest he’s ever been—and says the added muscle makes him more explosive, not slower.

This spring, Mayer’s all about staying healthy, earning a roster spot, and finally turning those offseason gains into steady production on both sides of the ball.

Offseason grind: Mayer’s plan to shake the injury-prone label

From day one at camp, Mayer jumped into a tough routine to boost strength, speed, and resilience.

He trained five days a week at a top facility, starting with morning physical therapy and then grinding through three-hour afternoon workouts focused on speed and overall athleticism.

Strength, speed and sprint work

The regimen included resisted sprints on a 1080 machine. That program’s all about making him more explosive and helping him last through a full big-league season.

He even topped short sprint drills against Trevor Story and Jarren Duran at Story Camp. That’s a pretty good sign his speed work paid off since last year.

Beyond sprinting, the offseason was about turning those physical gains into real speed for the field and bases.

The goal isn’t just to be stronger—it’s to move more efficiently, cut down on fatigue, and avoid those nagging injuries as the season drags on.

Swing adjustments and plate discipline

At the plate, Mayer worked on cutting down a 30% strikeout rate and handling left-handed pitching, which gave him trouble in his big-league debut.

He focused on staying back longer, adjusting his hands, and fine-tuning his swing mechanics to stay consistent against different looks from lefties.

He’s been all about balance and making more contact, hoping that’ll help him contribute more steadily when spring games get rolling and, honestly, when things get tougher in the regular season.

Defensive versatility and roster implications

On defense, Mayer’s shown he can handle himself, posting positive Outs Above Average at both third and second base.

This offseason, he trained at all three infield spots, though most of his reps came at second base, where he’s set to start the Grapefruit League opener.

Red Sox management loves Mayer’s defensive floor and flexibility. They reportedly kept him out of winter trade talks, which says a lot about how much they believe in his long-term upside—maybe even as a future shortstop when Trevor Story’s contract runs out after 2027.

Roster competition and spring goals

Manager Alex Cora says Mayer has to earn his roster spot this spring. The real test is whether Mayer’s off-season work actually shows up during games, both at the plate and in the field.

Mayer’s priorities? Stay healthy, get through a full season, and bring those winter gains into the Grapefruit League. He knows it’s not just about staying on the field—it’s about showing he can play multiple positions and really matter for the Red Sox moving forward.

If Mayer can do that, maybe folks will finally stop talking about injuries and start seeing him as a durable, versatile piece for Boston.

• Durability first: Mayer wants to stay healthy all year, no shortcuts.
• Speed and explosiveness: Early signs point to better sprints and more pop in his step.
• Offensive consistency: He’s working on cutting strikeouts and handling lefties better.
• Defensive flexibility: Still getting reps at second, third, and maybe even shortstop.
• Roster status: Nothing’s handed to him—he needs to earn it this spring.

 
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