Marcelo Mayer will undergo season-ending surgery on his right wrist after a tear persisted despite an anti-inflammatory injection, ending his season in late July. The three-month rehab window likely pushes his major-league debut back and tightens Boston's playoff timeline around a developing core. Mayer, drafted fourth overall in 2021, is a versatile defender who shifted from shortstop to third base, hitting .228 with four homers and 10 RBIs in 44 games this season. Boston views him as a cornerstone of the franchise's future, and the club emphasized the importance of getting him right for spring training and beyond, noting last year’s shoulder issue limited him in the minors late in the season.

For fantasy managers, the wrist setback sharpens Mayer's timeline while heightening the value of infield depth in Boston. If the wrist heals cleanly, Mayer could still deliver a breakout path in 2025; if not, the organization may lean on internal depth and delayed development. The news adds context to Mayer’s development trajectory and underscores the need to monitor rehab progression and spring performance for clues about his upside.