Will Middlebrooks Has This Worry About Red Sox Top Prospect Marcelo Mayer

Sox Talk with Will Middlebrooks is a recurring content series on NESN.com. Middlebrooks, a former Red Sox player and current NESN analyst, gives his insight and opinion on pertinent Red Sox storylines throughout the season. You can read the latest stories from the series here.

It's easy to see why many believe Marcelo Mayer is on the path to superstardom.

Ever since Mayer was drafted No. 4 overall in 2021, the 21-year-old shortstop has been viewed not only as the top prospect in the Red Sox farm system by MLB Pipeline, but one of the best prospects in all of baseball. He's backed that up with a sensational season with Double-A Portland this year, which led to his recent promotion to Triple-A Worcester.

But while Boston's other star-studded prospects in Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel, who moved up the organizational ladder alongside Mayer, have got on the field already with Worcester, Mayer is dealing with another injury, keeping him from doing the same.

And to 2013 Red Sox World Series champion Will Middlebrooks, Mayer's injury history is a cause for concern and could prevent him from reaching his full potential.

"I do worry about injuries with Marcelo," Middlebrooks told NESN.com. "Obviously, that's been kind of the history with him as a very polished player for a young guy, but the list of injuries is growing."

Mayer's injuries began during his first full season of pro ball in 2022 when he was limited to 91 games due to a right wrist ailment and back issues. He then had his season end in early August last year due to a shoulder injury.

Mayer couldn't get through this season unscathed, either. Another back injury has sidelined Mayer since July 30.

"Backs are never great when you're young because they never go away," Middlebrooks said. "Normally, a back problem guy is a back problem guy. I'm not saying he can't have a great career. He's just going to have to figure out a routine to manage it on a daily basis and that's tough as a young player because you're invincible, right? You're like, 'I'll be fine.' But you have to find this routine, every day you come to the field, every day at home before you go to bed, whatever it may be to keep your back healthy. That's something I would pay attention to."

It's tough not to get excited about Mayer's potential when he is on the field, though. He led the Eastern League with a .307 batting average and 28 doubles during 77 games with Portland. Mayer also hit eight home runs and collected 38 RBIs to go along with 13 stolen bases. He holds his own defensively, too.

"I think his approach at the plate is my favorite thing of his game," Middlebrooks said. "He's a doubles machine. He uses left-center really well, but he can also pull the ball in the air with some pop. Defensively, he's very smooth. He makes all the routine plays. I don't think he's going to be like a superstar defensive shortstop. His movements don't dictate that for me."

While Gold Gloves might not be in Mayer's future, he could show off that potent bat in the big leagues early next season with his supreme talent carrying him to where many believe he's destined to go.

"I could see Marcelo being an everyday big leaguer and having a really good career," Middlebrooks said. "It's all going to come down to health. I think the talent is there, I think the IQ is there and I think he'll be a really good player."