Hitting more lefties the key to unlocking Mayer's potential

BOSTON -- The Red Sox will need to scratch and claw for quality offensive performances in 2026 with the current construction of the lineup.

Willson Contreras flexed some early power with seven home runs through the first month, though Boston does not have any other reliable thump elsewhere. That lack puts a greater emphasis on quality at-bats to spark rallies.

Roman Anthony could be turning a corner from his early struggles after a three-hit performance Friday. Further down the lineup, if Marcelo Mayer continues his hot stretch at the plate, that much deeper of a lineup could impact the team’s attempt to get back to .500.

Since April 20, the Boston infielder is hitting .407 with a .967 OPS. Taking steps forward against left-handed pitching is a primary goal for Mayer, so his two-run shot against the San Diego Padres during the home opener led to some progress. Deeper in that conversation is the need for better control of the strike zone.

There’s progress there in 2026 as Mayer ranks in at least the 80th percentile in chase rate, K percentage and bat speed. The former No. 4 overall pick looks like a contributing bat, adding another hit in Friday’s 3-1 win over the Houston Astros.

“He looks confident,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said of Mayer. “We're giving him a couple chances here and there against lefties in spots where maybe you move and pick the right spots. Doesn't mean it's always going to happen, but he looks confident. He's swinging the bat well. He's taking good bats. He's mostly staying off stuff out of the zone. He's ready to hit fastballs when they're in the zone. It's been a little bit better part of the week now. The at-bats have really improved. So hopefully, keep him moving in the right direction.”

Mayer earned a promotion to Triple-A Worcester in Aug. 2024, but he did not debut at the level until the following spring. Tracy, then the Worcester manager, saw the struggles of the young player but also his surges at the plate, including leading the minor leagues in RBIs through the first month of 2025 along with International League Player of the Week honors.

In this latest adjustment to control better at-bats against left-handers, Tracy sees the lane for improvement.

“I felt like most of the swing decision stuff with him was mostly related to left-handed pitchers,” Tracy explained. “Guys that are really spinning away. Not that he couldn't do it, but just deciding, 'What do I offer at?’ and take the bat deeper if you need to. Typically against righties, it's pretty good. He's pretty aggressive, so just kind of keeping an eye on how he's navigating what you're talking about. Left on left is important.”

The latest stretch of Mayer’s offensive impact should be encouraging for the Red Sox. His ability to maintain not just his performance but his availability is vital. Coming up on the five-year anniversary of his draft selection, Mayer is yet to play in at least 100 games in a season.

If he stays on the field and continues his strides against lefties, the Red Sox can take a step forward this season with an improved impact infielder.