Red Sox Top Prospect 'Full Go' This Offseason After Tough Injury

The Boston Red Sox got some good news Tuesday.

Boston's main focus this offseason certainly has been plugging up some roster holes either through free agency or the trade market. Most of the headlines involving the Red Sox this offseason have centered around varying levels of interest the club has shown players who could be brought in.

While possible additions to the roster certainly are important, there still are some intriguing internal players to keep an eye on. Arguably the biggest name to watch out for in Boston is No. 1 prospect Marcelo Mayer.

The young shortstop was taken in the first round of the 2021 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and quickly has become the team's top prospect and one of the top prospects in all of baseball. He seems like the shortstop of the future for Boston and could even see some time in the big leagues in 2024, although 2025 may be more likely.

Mayer has shown flashes in the minor leagues as he's worked his way up Boston's farm system and was promoted to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs in 2023. He didn't have the season the club hoped for, though, as he dealt with a serious shoulder injury that ended his season in early August. 

On the bright side, though, Mayer reportedly is okay now and a "full go" this offseason, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford.

"While you are waiting: Marcelo Mayer is a full go this offseason and will be part of Rookie Program in Boston next week," Bradford said. "Shoulder is not a hindrance."

The fact that Mayer's shoulder is in a good spot is great news. There were rumblings that he had suffered a setback earlier this offseason but the fact that he's okay now is a great sign for Boston. 

Mayer still is Boston's top prospect despite an injury-riddled 2023 campaign. If he's able to get back on track in the spring and shine in 2024, don't be surprised if it doesn't take too long for him to make his way to Boston.