Red Sox: Marcelo Mayer reveals disappointment in Xander Bogaerts departure

The Boston Red Sox’s top shortstop prospect, Marcelo Mayer, said he wishes that Xander Bogaerts were still with the team.

The Boston Red Sox fanbase feared the possibility of the team losing shortstop Xander Bogaerts in free agency. Those fears were justified, as the Red Sox were unable to reach an agreement on an extension ahead of the 2022 season, and watched as he signed an 11-year, $280 million deal with the San Diego Padres. Now, they enter a season without Bogaerts as their starting shortstop for the first time in a long time. It is an unfamiliar feeling not just for the fans, but also for the players.

Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer spoke to MLB.com about his time with Bogaerts, calling him a “true professional” and someone “you look up to.” Mayer also said that he wishes that he was still with the team.

“I wish he was still here just because he’s such a good dude and a great player who I was looking forward to learning from,” Mayer said, h/t MLB.com. “I wish him all the best over there with the Padres.”

Marcelo Mayer wishes Xander Bogaerts was still with the Red Sox

While Bogaerts is gone, the Red Sox have Enrique Hernandez listed atop their depth chart as their starting shortstop. It would have been Trevor Story, but he is currently on the 60-day injured list due to a right elbow injury. But, fans will be waiting to see if Mayer will take over the role in the near future.

The Red Sox used their fourth-overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft on Mayer, a shortstop out of Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, Calif. He was considered the top prospect at his position in that year’s draft class, and two years later, he is Boston’s best overall prospect.

In the 2021 season, Mayer played 26 games with the FCL Red Sox, where he recorded a .275 batting average, a .377 on-base percentage, a .440 slugging percentage, three home runs, 17 RBI, 25 runs, and 25 hits.

Last season, Mayer missed time with Single-A Salem due to right wrist and back discomfort. But, he did receive a promotion to the Single-A+ Greenville late last season. In 91 total games played, Mayer slashed .280/.399/.489 while recording 13 home runs, 53 RBI, 61 runs, and 98 hits.

The hope is that Mayer will eventually take over the shortstop position for the Red Sox. And just like Red Sox fans, Mayer misses Bogaerts too.