A day in Dallas three future Red Sox will never forget

ARLINGTON, Texas - "It's a sick moment."

As he prepared to leave Globe Life Field, heading to dinner with his agents before returning to San Diego for a few days, Marcelo Mayer's response was the perfect reflection. It was a "sick moment," one which Red Sox fans should file away.

It was the day that the perceived foundation of the Red Sox franchise - Mayer, Kyle Teel and Roman Anthony - descended upon the Futures Game and MLB Skills Showcase and reaffirmed an image that has taken root throughout this 2024 season.

And while there were plenty of bits and pieces of the day which added to the trio's excitement - such as Anthony's custom cleats or Teel's pair of doubles - it was the final exhibit that defined the day.

That was Teel and Mayer jumping for joy as their Portland Sea Dogs teammate came away with an improbable comeback and victory in the first-ever Futures Skills Showcase.

What had been a snoozefest throughout much of the new showcase for eight minor leaguers quickly became perhaps the Red Sox' trio's most memorable moments. Thanks to six homers in the final round - including a 471-foot blast - Anthony went from last-place to first, with Teel and Mayer noticeably leading the cheers from the sidelines.

"That first round, I was like 0-for-4 on bunting, and the lights started to get pretty bright out there," Anthony said. "Then I saw the '6' after the second round, and I was, like, 'Oh, man, it's staring right at me.'"

"He was just trying to not get last-place," said Teel after the celebration. "That’s what he said. And then he hits those … That’s crazy."

"I was honestly just making fun of him," said Mayer of Anthony, who had just six points after the first two events. We were having fun with him, but that was an impressive run. ... We get to see it every day."

Teel added, "He did well with what he’s good at, which is hitting home runs."

While Anthony was conducting his post-showcase press conference, interviews and receiving a wave of atta-boys, his two buddies continued to sit in front of their lockers, smiling from ear to ear while gladly reveling in the moment.

"I knew when he hit the first one I was like, ‘OK …’ because I have seen him in BP every single day. Once he finds it he finds it," Mayer said. "Then he hit the second one and I was like, ‘Uh, oh. We might be in trouble.’ It was really fun to watch."

While the conversation most were ready to have regarding the three players involved their inevitable promotions to Triple-A, it was understandably heartening for the prospects to have this signature moment while they wait.

"Whenever that time comes, it will come," said Anthony with a huge smile. "So I'm not really worried about it."