On Wednesday night, rookie Marcelo Mayer made his third major-league start at second base for the Boston Red Sox, marking another step in his rapid rise. The team had just finished a resumed game, winning 5-3 after rain halted play earlier in the week.
Then, in the nightcap against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park, the Red Sox let a 3-0 lead slip, ultimately losing 8-4. Mayer’s versatility and development have been bright spots for Boston, but the night’s result underscored both his promise and the team’s ongoing challenges.
Mayer, who turned 22 last December, has started at third base in 29 of his 32 major-league games so far, with three starts at second base.
Marcelo Mayer Shows Adaptability for Red Sox
His quick adjustment to multiple positions highlights his athleticism and value to the Red Sox, who have relied on him to fill gaps in the infield. While much of his minor league experience came at shortstop, he has shown adaptability at third and second base as well.
With Alex Bregman sidelined since late May with a right quad strain, Mayer’s presence has been crucial.
Although he was not expected to make his major-league debut during a doubleheader or to shift to third base so quickly, Mayer has embraced the challenge. His 31 appearances since his debut have been marked by steady improvement, and he has started most of those games at third base, a position he had rarely played in the minors.
Mayer To Represent Mexico in WBC 2026
Mayer’s rise is not just a story for Boston fans. On July 1, WEEI reporter Rob Bradford announced on X that Mayer, an infielder for the Red Sox, would represent Team Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The news came directly from Mayer, who expressed excitement about the opportunity to play for Mexico on a global stage.
Marcelo Mayer told me today that he is planning on playing for Team Mexico in the @WBCBaseball next year
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) July 1, 2025
Mayer is widely regarded as one of MLB’s most exciting young prospects, thanks to his power at the plate and strong defensive skills.
Red Sox supporters have closely followed his development, and now Mexican fans are eager to see him succeed in the tricolor uniform. His inclusion on Mexico’s roster raises the profile of the national team, as the World Baseball Classic features the sport’s top international talent.
Mayer’s ability to play multiple infield positions and his athleticism make him a valuable asset for any team, and his decision to represent Mexico is a source of pride for the country.
In his interview with Bradford, Mayer emphasized how honored he felt to have the chance to play for Mexico and compete on such a prominent international platform.
Back in Boston, Mayer’s impact has been clear. Since his debut, he has appeared in 31 games, with the majority of his starts coming at third base.
He has adapted quickly to the demands of the major leagues, even though he is still learning the ropes and has not started every game. His flexibility and willingness to take on new roles have made him a favorite among teammates and coaches.
The Red Sox’s recent series against the Reds highlighted both the promise and the growing pains of this young team.
After taking a 3-0 lead through six innings in the nightcap, Boston allowed the game to slip away, losing 8-4. While the box score does not confirm exactly how many of the Reds’ runs were unearned, the loss was a reminder of the challenges facing the Red Sox as they integrate young talent like Mayer into their lineup.
For Mayer, the opportunity to contribute at multiple positions and to represent Mexico in next year’s World Baseball Classic adds to what is already shaping up to be a memorable season.