Just under two years ago, the Boston Red Sox selected Kristian Campbell in the fourth round of the MLB draft.
However, Campbell may have the greatest opportunity among all Red Sox prospects, even more than Roman Anthony, to begin the 2025 season in the major leagues.
Campbell, just 22 years old with only one complete season of minor league experience, appears to have a chance at making Boston’s Opening Day roster, as suggested in a report by Alex Speier from The Boston Globe.
“The Sox have stated openly that Campbell will have a chance to vie for the regular position at second base,” Speier noted. “Team executives appear to be growing more at ease with the notion of Campbell starting the season in the major leagues — whether at second base, in the outfield, or as a flexible player.”
The inquiries about the Red Sox’s actions at second base create an opportunity for Campbell to secure that position.
He’ll need to outshine Vaughn Grissom, who failed to instill much confidence during his initial season with the Red Sox after being acquired for Chris Sale. Grissom faced hamstring issues last season and spent a significant portion of the year with Triple-A Worcester. During his time in the majors, Grissom struggled, achieving a batting average of only .190 over 31 games.
We should also take Alex Bregman into account. The Red Sox might shift the Gold Glove-winning third baseman to second base if they sign him, yet it appears that both parties could be stuck in stalled contract negotiations.
If Bregman chooses to leave and Grissom performs poorly in spring training, the Red Sox may have to start Campbell at second base.
Campbell, rated as the fourth-best prospect in the sport by Baseball America, epitomizes a rapid ascender as he climbed Boston’s minor league system in 2024, competing at three distinct levels, including Triple-A. He completed the season with a combined .330 batting average, hitting 20 home runs, driving in 77 RBIs, and stealing 24 bases, which led to him receiving Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year award.
It definitely seems that Campbell will have an opportunity to display his skills in the major leagues this season. It simply hinges on whether it will arrive on Opening Day or during the season.
