In a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, Boston Red Sox rookie Marcelo Mayer showed his worth once more with his massive home run, securing his team’s win.
However, alongside his offense, his defensive prowess at third base, not only impressed fans and teammates, it also drew comparison to a legendary 10-time Gold Glove winner.
Marcelo Mayer’s Defensive Skills Drew Comparisons With Legend
Mayer is a natural shortstop, and was filling in at third base due to Alex Bregman’s injury. After his fourth-inning play that nailed Randy Arozarena at first base by a half-step, hexperts and fans flooded him with praise. “His baseball clock reminds me of Nolan Arenado,” teammate Trevor Story said postgame.
Trevor Story on Marcelo Mayer’s defense:
“His baseball clock reminds me of Nolan Arenado.”
That’s about the nicest compliment you could give to someone playing third base. pic.twitter.com/J48r48wTB7
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) June 18, 2025
“He took two shuffles but put just enough on it to get him by a half-step,” Story added. Later, Mayer sealed the eighth inning with a long, precise throw to retire Cal Raleigh, showcasing the arm strength that made him the Red Sox’s top prospect.
Story, who played alongside Arenado in Colorado, knows what top of the line defense looks like. In 2019, the duo combined for 44 defensive runs saved, with Arenado’s 23 at third base earning him one of his 10 consecutive NL Gold Gloves (2013-22). “He’s smooth out there, making every play in backhand, forehand, tough in-between hoppers,” Story added, “It’s been fun to watch.”
Marcelo Mayer’s Rapid Rise
Selected fourth overall in the 2021 MLB Draft, Mayer was hailed as a five-tool talent. His minor-league ascent was swift with a .275 average and three homers in 2021, a .280/.399/.489 slash line with 13 homers in 2022, and a .307/.370/.480 line in Double-A Portland in 2024.
Promoted to Triple-A Worcester in August 2024, he earned a call-up to Boston on May 24, 2025. Since then, Mayer has been impressive, hitting his first career homer at Yankee Stadium on June 6 and becoming the third-youngest Red Sox player to record a multi-homer game on June 11 against Tampa Bay.
Wednesday’s homer, a solo shot in Boston’s win, marked his fourth in 21 MLB games. With Boston at 38-37, clinging to a half-game deficit for the AL’s final wild-card spot, Mayer’s contributions couldn’t have been better timed.