Red Sox trade former top prospect Marcelo Mayer to Giants amid injury concerns
Boston sent 2021 fourth-overall pick Marcelo Mayer to San Francisco, citing his forearm injury and limited playing time, while the Giants expect him to compete for a second-base role.
The Boston Red Sox have traded 23-year-old infielder Marcelo Mayer to the San Francisco Giants. Mayer, a former fourth-overall selection in the 2021 draft, has struggled with injuries, including a stress reaction in his left forearm that placed him on the injured list earlier this season. Interim manager Chad Tracy said the injury had been monitored "week to week" and that the team had recently recalled infielder Tsung-Che Cheng from Triple-A to fill his roster spot.
Boston’s front office indicated that the move provides Mayer with a new environment and the opportunity for regular playing time in San Francisco, where he is expected to compete for a second-base position and could also serve as a shortstop if needed. The Red Sox retain depth at the infield with players such as Romy González, Anthony Seigler and others.
Mayer’s recent performance had been limited; after returning from a neck injury he posted a .133 batting average over a short stretch. He was also briefly held out due to illness and reported neck and back spasms, but was listed in the lineup for a recent game against the Texas Rangers.
The trade also involved the Giants sending a left-handed reliever to Boston, addressing the Red Sox’s bullpen needs. Both clubs described the transaction as a strategic fit for their respective rosters.