Red Sox Predicted to Land Team USA Infielder to Replace Trevor Story, Move Marcelo Mayer to Shortstop
The 2025 season has not been kind to the Boston Red Sox.
Heading into the year, a free agents and prospects overhaul, coupled with an exciting, young nucleus, had the Red Sox poised to break their four-year postseason drought.
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However, lackluster performances, injuries, and the Rafael Devers saga have restricted Boston's potential, and it sits in fourth place in the American League East at 43-45.
This season is far from over, and accelerated development from top prospects like Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony would go a long way, but perhaps this is just one of those years for the Red Sox.
With the draft quickly approaching, Boston could look for some hope from Bleacher Nation's latest mock draft, which has it selecting 3B Xavier Neyens out of Mount Vernon High School, Washington.
Scouts have praised Neyens' powerful left-handed swing and stellar plate approach. At 6-foot-4 with a strong arm, Neyens projects as a third baseman in the Majors.
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Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (10) rounds third base on his way to scoring a run off an RBI by center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) (not pictured) during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park.Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Should Boston select Neyens, it would give it plenty of infield versatility.
For one, the Red Sox would have an easier time stomaching the Trevor Story contract. The 32-year-old is making $22.5 million in 2025 and has a player opt-out, but is unlikely to exercise that with two years at $25 million remaining on the deal (there is also a club option at $25 million in 2028).
Whether it be age, injury history, or a combination of the two, Story has not lived up to his payday. He is batting just .244 with a .675 OPS, an 86 OPS+, and 12 home runs over 84 games.
Neyens at third would also allow Boston to move Mayer to his natural position of shortstop. He will likely attend Oregon State in the fall, and his potential MLB debut is years away, but it could at least provide some optimism for a Red Sox fan base in dire need of positivity.
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Related: Red Sox Veteran Begs Front Office Not to Trade Him at MLB Trade Deadline
Related: Red Sox's Alex Bregman Plans Revealed Heading Into Trade Deadline Questions
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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