2021 Draft Profile: Marcelo Mayer
Much of this year’s MLB Draft speculation focuses on the top arms in college baseball including Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker, and Jordan Wicks. However, there are a number of high school prospects that will likely be drafted in the top-five, if not, first overall. Marcelo Mayer, an 18-year-old shortstop for Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, could be the top overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. Mayer joins Jordan Lawlar as the consensus top-two high school players in the class, but concerns over Lawlar’s fielding could put Mayer ahead by Draft day. Previous reporting linked Mayer with the Detroit Tigers at number three, but newer reports and mock drafts place Mayers as the number one pick to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 60, Power: 55, Run: 50, Arm: 60, Field: 55, Overall: 60
Strengths
Mayer is a well-balanced player with average-markings across the board. As an infielder, there is little to criticize as he shows great hand and footwork for the position. He displays above average arm strength with accuracy allowing him to throw from all angles and positions. His most acclaimed trait comes from his defensive instincts and baseball intelligence. It is easy to envision him throwing double play balls in a MLB infield.
As a hitter, Mayer provides a balanced approach to the plate with an upside on power. His smooth swing combined with his instinct for the strike zone make him a dangerous hitter. For a high school prospect, he displays great bat-to-ball skills. Through 25 games this season, he hit 13 home runs, 40 RBIs, and generated 39 runs scored. With 103 plate appearances, he struck out only three times and generated 25 walks.
Weaknesses
As with many high school prospects, it is difficult to identify weaknesses due to the youth and time for further development. However, one of the biggest weaknesses with Mayer comes from his lack of speed. Despite having stole 16 bases this season, his current speed does not pose a threat in the future of stealing bases. He is likely to stay at shortstop for a while, but he is an average athlete and may shift to another position in the infield.
As a hitter, Mayer will need to continue to develop his power. Since arriving at East Lake, he added more muscle contributing to his above average power. The question going forward will be finding his power ceiling. Currently, he stands to be an average power hitter, generating the occasional home run. Further, he currently has a tendency to hit the ball up the middle, though this will be something he should be able to work out in the minors.
MLB Comparison
Hailing from East Lake High School, Mayer joins a list of fellow Titans drafted in the first round including Adrian Gonzalez and Keoni Cavaco. Several MLB comparisons have been made about Mayer. In the MLB.com analysis, they cite his infield aptitude to Brandon Crawford. However, the most consistent comparison for Mayer has been the link to Corey Seager. Both are lefties, with average power, running, and fielding. However, they stand out in their ability to hit to the opposite side of the field and make consistently plays on defense.
Players mentioned: Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker, Jordan Wicks, Jordan Lawlar, Adrian Gonzalez Keoni Cavaco, Brandon Crawford, Corey Seager
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
