After pulling off a blockbuster trade for Adley Rutschman earlier in the day, the Boston Red Sox made another notable trade on Monday ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline, sending Marcelo Mayer to the San Francisco Giants for Erik Miller.
Similar to Chris Sale a few years ago, the Red Sox decided to sell low on Mayer while he was hurt. He hasn't played since June 25 due to a forearm injury.
Mayer struggled before going down, however, batting just .220/.282/.312 in 70 games this season. He scuffled during his rookie season last year, too, sputtering at the plate and getting hurt as well.
While Mayer's only 23, Boston is already giving up on the former top prospect and first-round draft pick. He was expected to be a key contributor for the Red Sox for years to come, but now he's just a footnote in their recent turbulent history.
Surprisingly, Craig Breslow has now traded away four of Boston's last six first-round picks, showing a willingness to part with young talent in trades.
Miller upgrades the Red Sox's relief corps and gives them a much-needed lefty weapon out of the bullpen. While his strikeout rate is strong, he hasn't pitched in many high-leverage situations and his walk rate is atrocious, which could make him unreliable in late innings.
Time will tell if returning to California, where he's originally from, helps Mayer get back on track and realize his full potential.