So, Marcelo Mayer finally got the call. The former top draft pick and Red Sox’s prized shortstop prospect is heading to the biggest stage in baseball. Sure, the timing may have been helped by an unfortunate injury to Alex Bregman. But hey, sometimes opportunity doesn’t knock, it breaks the door open. So, while Mayer might not be penciled into the starting lineup just yet, the moment itself marks a major milestone in his journey.

But while all eyes are on Mayer, another name lingers quietly in the background, Roman Anthony. Incidentally, he’s not just Mayer’s former roommate in the minors; he’s also the current top-ranked prospect in the Red Sox system. Yet, he remains in waiting, his phone still silent.

Well, the contrast hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Recently, Anthony spoke candidly about Mayer’s promotion, acknowledging the achievement while subtly hinting at the growing hunger. Perhaps frustration that comes from watching a peer leapfrog into the spotlight. For Anthony, the wait continues, but the conversation around when, not if, he joins the big-league club is only getting louder.

“Something that we talked about so much every night, just kind of wondering when it was going to happen, so for it to happen … it’s awesome. It’s something I’ll never forget. So I was so proud of him.“

Anthony sounded confident and optimistic about his friend’s departure for the big league. It surely brought a positive vibe for him as well. Because he knows a call to him is also around the corner. Ahh, fans getting to see Anthony and Mayer hitting together at the biggest stage will be a blockbuster move!

So, till Anthony gets his call, he is here lighting up Triple-A.

The 21-year-old outfielder has hits in 13 of his last 15 games. And he just extended his on-base streak to 22 straight with a two-run single on Sunday! Since April 6, he’s reached base in 39 of his last 40 games. He’s slashing .317 with 7 home runs and 21 RBIs. Yes, the numbers might sound ridiculous, but it’s MLB-ready written all over.

While Mayer had his big moment on Saturday, the baseball world began to wonder how much longer Anthony will be stuck in the minors. Well, if Mayer was the first domino to fall, all signs suggest Anthony might be the next.

The Red Sox got the best option in the form of Mayer

It was a long contention for the Red Sox to select Bregman’s replacement. While Bregman will now be out of action for a significant time due to his quad injury, Marcelo came as the most eligible option. For starters, Mayer slashed .271/.347/.471 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs in 43 games at Triple-A. Now that’s a number solid enough to suggest he’s more than ready for the hot corner in Bregman’s absence.

And the debut? Well, Marcelo’s run in the big league is not wild, decorated with home runs, but fair enough to put him on the radar. With his family watching from the stands, Marcelo Mayer made some special memories at Fenway Park on Sunday. He picked up the first two hits of his big league career in the Red Sox’s 5-1 loss to the Orioles.

Well, that came after a tough debut where he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. In the bottom of the second inning, he lined a single to left off Baltimore starter Dean Kremer, notching his first major league hit. The Fenway crowd loved it, erupting in cheers. And we all might have witnessed the next star in the making!

The current big league stint for Marcelo Mayer might be short, as Bregman will be back soon. However, the numbers and influence if offered as per the expected level, a permanent call-up may be just around the corner. Today of tomorrow, the Red Sox’s bases will be guarded by names like Mayer and Anthony.