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What to Expect from Red Sox Infielder Kristian Campbell

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Mar 24, 2025 1:26 PM ET

The Red Sox’s infield alignment has been in the news for weeks. Now, we’ve received some clarity with how Boston will look come Opening Day. Boston will reportedly select Kristian Campbell’s contract, opening the door for him to start the year as the Red Sox’s second baseman.

A Look at Campbell

Former Georgia Tech standout Kristian Campbell got himself drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft after a strong sophomore season. Campbell hit .376/.484/.589 with the Yellow Jackets. However, he didn’t for much pop; only four home and 21 extra-base hits.

That, however, was not the case in 2024. Campbell became MiLB’s Breakout Player of the Year after he posted a .997 OPS across three levels, ending in Worcester (AAA). The 23-year-old cracked 20 home runs. 55 extra-base hits, and also stole 24 bases.

Campbell hit well in Triple-A during his brief stint with Worcester, after the Sox promoted him in late-August. The 22-year-old slashed .286/.412/.486 (.898 OPS) across 19 games. And while he only had a 4.7 Barrel/PA — slightly below what is the MLB average of 4.8 — all four barreled-up pitches he hit were home runs.

After he won the Breakout Player of the Year award, Campbell talked about not doing too much at the plate. He backed that up last season, willing to go with pitches the other way but also unlocking power that he didn’t show in Atlanta. He flashed impressive bat speed, and easily caught up to fastballs.

KRISTIAN CAMPBELL HR 2024 1

This past spring, Campbell posted mixed results as a non-roster invite. He slashed .167/.305/.271 but recorded seven hits from March 6 onward. Campbell also walked 10 times, another one of his assets. He walked 74 times last season.

One thing to watch with Campbell at the MLB level will be how much contact he can get in the air. Yes, Campbell was a 20-home run hitter last season. He did, however, post very high GO/AO ratios both in High-A (1.8) and Triple-A (3.6).

Defensively, Campbell saw time in all three outfield positions in the Minors, as well as second, third, and short. The bulk of the time he spent in the infield was at second, where per reports, is where he’ll play for Boston.

Campbell beats out the toolsy David Hamilton out for the starting second base job.

Analysis

It looked like Alex Bregman was going to get the Opening Day start at second base for Boston. However, a lot has changed since then.

Bregman didn’t see one start at second base this spring, as the 2024 Gold Glover played 16 games at third base. Rafael Devers is penciled in as Boston’s DH. Devers’ start to Grapefruit League action thanks to mechanical problems with his swing, plus a shoulder issue. He also softened his stance on playing third, saying he would do what’s best for the organization.

Add in the fact that Masataka Yoshida can’t play the field yet, and Campbell encountered the perfect storm to start the 2025 campaign with Boston.

He’s the first one of the “big three” to make it to Boston. It’s not terribly surprising, given that Marcelo Mayer has yet to play in Triple-A, while the Red Sox have enough outfield depth to not rush Roman Anthony.

Expect Campbell to regular playing time; given his prospect pedigree, the Sox wouldn’t bring him to play on a platoon basis.

Fantasy Impact

Campbell’s bat speed, coupled with his speed and yes, Fenway Park, makes the right-handed hitting infielder a target in both AL-only and mixed leagues. He should be a waiver wire target before Opening Day.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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