Kristian Campbell has been swinging the bat well in Triple-A, and the Red Sox would be wise not to let this chance slip by.
At the start of the 2025 season, Campbell was ranked as the No. 2 prospect in Boston’s farm system. But after falling into a brutal slump in May that stretched into June, he turned into one of the coldest hitters in the league. Not long after Roman Anthony earned his call-up, Campbell was optioned back to Worcester, where he’s been grinding ever since.
Since then, Campbell has been determined to claw his way back to the big leagues. That opportunity may now be right in front of him. With Roman Anthony dealing with an oblique injury that appears to be more serious than the one he suffered last year, the Red Sox suddenly have an opening. While it’s unfortunate to see Anthony likely headed for the injured list, it presents Campbell with a golden chance to redeem himself and put his struggles in the rearview mirror. Players rarely get only one shot — and for Campbell, this could be one of those second chances that change everything.
Kristian Campbell May Get Excellent Opportunity to Prove His Worth to Red Sox
When Campbell is locked in, he’s capable of being one of the most dangerous bats in Boston’s lineup — the kind of hitter who could eventually work his way into Silver Slugger conversations. That may not happen in 2025, but the next several years should be telling for his development.
Before his slump and demotion, Campbell was off to a strong start in the majors. From Opening Day on March 27, he posted a .301 batting average with a .902 OPS, collecting four home runs, 12 RBIs, 31 hits, and eight doubles across 103 at-bats in 29 games.
Since being sent back to Triple-A Worcester, he’s continued to show flashes of that same potential. He’s batting .273 overall with 59 hits, eight homers, 36 RBIs, nine doubles, two triples, and 32 walks in 58 games (216 at-bats). Over his last 36 contests, though, he’s been even hotter, hitting .319 with a .529 slugging percentage, seven home runs, and 14 extra-base hits in 159 plate appearances. Just this Tuesday, he came close to hitting for the cycle, falling a single short during a 3-for-4 performance.
If Campbell does get the call, Boston has multiple ways to slot him in. He could play in the outfield, or the Red Sox could shift Ceddanne Rafaela back to center field and give Campbell a look at second base. They’ve also been experimenting with him at first, a position he could potentially settle into by 2026 or 2027, depending on how the organization handles Triston Casas.
For now, everything hinges on Roman Anthony’s MRI results. But if Anthony lands on the injured list, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow should have Campbell’s name at the top of his list — and his phone close by.
