Marcelo Mayer has played just over two dozen games in the big leagues, but he is already getting high praise from his teammates. Shortstop Trevor Story has a lot of confidence in the 22-year-old infielder as he finds his footing in the majors. The Red Sox are shifting their focus to the youth in their organization after trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.
Story believes Mayer has the intangibles to play shortstop in this league, and he brings those qualities to every position he plays. Story is a two-time All-Star, has played with many Gold Glovers, and sees the potential in Mayer. He has the right mentality in the field, shows up every night, and can give the team momentum in the field when his bat is not there.
Trevor Story Believes Marcelo Mayer Has the Self-Confidence To Thrive
Mayer played 269 games at shortstop throughout his Minor League career, but that position is locked up by Story for the time being. Mayer has played 25 games at third base for the Red Sox this season and only two games at shortstop, his natural position. Alex Bregman is expected to return to the lineup before the All-Star break, so Mayer is being asked to change positions again.
Trevor Story on Marcelo Mayer’s confidence in the field 🎙️
“He’s got that shortstop mentality.” pic.twitter.com/vw1jBiwIjs
— NESN (@NESN) June 24, 2025
Bregman has started 1,028 games at third base in his 10-year career and will assume the position once he returns. Alex Cora and the Red Sox want Mayer to move to second base when he returns. His first game at the position is in the second game of the series against the Angels, but he does not have much experience at second base. He has only played 10 games at the position in the minors, but is ready to prove his versatility.
“I played like two or three games in Triple-A before I got called up… so not much. I had a little bit of (exposure to second base during) Spring Training with the Big League squad.” Mayer said when asked about his experience at second base. “But yeah, not much, but I think it’s something that I could pick up with some reps.”
Mayer is undoubtedly versatile as an infielder, but his bat has not offered much so far. He is batting .186 with 13 hits and four home runs in 25 games this season. He has an OPS of .647 and has scored 11 runs. Mayer has walked six times while striking out 24 times to start his big-league career.
He batted .271 in 43 games with Boston’s Triple-A team, the Worcester Red Sox, before being called up to Boston. Mayer has filled a role the team needs as they deal with injuries, and his offense will come alive as he adjusts to the pitching. He is a versatile player and has the endorsement of the veterans on the team, which will go a long way to boost the confidence of the young infielder.
Mayer’s willingness to play anywhere in the field will help him be featured in the lineup, and his bat will come alive as he sees more at-bats. Story and Cora believe in the young player, and he has a lot of self-confidence, so Red Sox fans have a lot to look forward to as he finishes out the season in the Majors.