Trimlift News About

Where Does Marcelo Mayer Stand One Year Into MLB Career?

· Yahoo Sports

Where Does Marcelo Mayer Stand One Year Into MLB Career? originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of Marcelo Mayer's MLB debut for the Boston Red Sox. He went 1-for-4 with an RBI single and a strikeout as the Red Sox lost 6-5 to the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park.

Visit extract-html.com for more information.

The fourth overall pick of the 2021 MLB Draft, Mayer was one of the most hyped prospects in recent team history. He began his Major League career last spring with tons of hype and anticipation, arriving several weeks before Roman Anthony.

For a variety of reasons, however, Mayer's first calendar year in the big leagues hasn't gone as hoped.

His rookie campaign was cut short by a wrist injury, which limited him to just 44 games and caused him to miss the playoffs. 

Boston hoped that more regular playing time and a full offseason to prepare would help him take a step forward this season, but it hasn't happened yet.

After batting .228/.272/.402 with four home runs and 10 RBI in 44 games last year, Mayer has essentially been the same hitter this year, slashing .214/.277/.300 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 47 games this year.

The lack of power is concerning, especially since his batted ball data has trended in the wrong direction this season. His average exit velocity is down three full mph, and his hard-hit rate has plunged from 51.7 percent to 39.6 percent.

On the plus side, Mayer's plate discipline has improved considerably. He's cut his strikeout rate from 30.1 percent to 19.2 percent while increasing his walk rate from 5.9 percent to 7.1 percent.

Mayer has also started to make more of an impact on the bases with three steals in three attempts after getting caught in both of his tries last year. He's continued to provide solid infield defense as well.

It's important to remember that Mayer is still just 23 and has only half a season of MLB experience under his belt. He was rushed to the Major Leagues ahead of schedule last year and is still learning.

So far, he's shown signs that he can be a capable big league infielder. His bat isn't where it needs to be yet and still has room for improvement, however. If he can start making more consistent quality contact and drive the ball with authority more regularly, that will help him unlock his full potential and become a more valuable baseball player.

More MLB: Red Sox's Massive Coaching Staff Shakeup Not Panning Out As Hoped

Read at source