The Boston Red Sox have now taken care of extensions for two of the “big three.”
Infielder Kristian Campbell signed an eight-year, $60 million extension on Apr. 2. Four months later, outfielder Roman Anthony reportedly agreed to an eight-year, $130 million extension on Tuesday. Only infielder Marcelo Mayer remains unsigned.
Mayer, who was Boston’s first-round pick in 2021, debuted in May this season, and has had some initial ups and downs offensively, though his defense has been impressive both at third base and second base.
So is a Mayer extension coming next? The 22-year-old, who is currently on the injured list with a triangular fibrocartilage complex issue in his wrist, was asked that very question on Wednesday.
“No, not really,” Mayer said when asked if he had had any extension talks with the Red Sox, per Tim Healey of the Boston Globe. “I’m not really focused on that right now. I got a lot on my plate, trying to get back on the field with my wrist and stuff.”
Mayer sustained the injury on Jul. 23 against the Philadelphia Phillies. He was batting .228 on the season, with four home runs and a .674 OPS in 44 major league games.
Injuries also shortened Mayer’s last two seasons in the minors, as he went down for the year with a shoulder injury in July of 2023 and a back injury last August.
So while enthusiasm for extensions is at an all-time high in Red Sox Nation, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Boston wait out Mayer for a bit, hoping he becomes the player they think he can be while ensuring his durability in the meantime.