Right-hander Isaiah Campbell, the first player born in Portugal to reach the major leagues since 1875, was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft (76th overall) out of the University of Arkansas. But now, after just 41 big league appearances, Campbell finds himself at a crossroads — his professional career could be in jeopardy unless another team offers him a minor league deal.
Once viewed as a promising arm, Campbell ranked as the Mariners’ No. 12 prospect according to MLB Pipeline in 2020. He broke into the majors in 2023, pitching in 27 games for Seattle and posting an impressive 2.83 ERA over 28 2/3 innings. Working exclusively in relief, he struck out 33 batters, though his 13 walks raised some concern. That offseason, the Mariners dealt him to the Boston Red Sox.
Campbell’s time in Boston quickly unraveled. After blowing a save in his fifth appearance on April 6, 2024, he was tagged for nine runs over just two innings in his next two outings before landing on the injured list with a shoulder impingement. He returned briefly but was sent back to Triple-A Worcester in June, then shut down again in late July with an elbow injury that ended his season.
When the offseason arrived, the Red Sox initially declined to tender him a contract, making him a free agent. However, they later re-signed him to a minor league deal, giving him another shot to recover and prove himself. Unfortunately, his 2025 campaign offered little redemption. Campbell appeared in just six major league games, with his final outing on August 16 against the Miami Marlins marking the low point. Entering with a 7-2 lead in the ninth, he allowed three runs before manager Alex Cora was forced to call on Aroldis Chapman to close out the shaky 7-5 win.
Four days later, Campbell was demoted back to Worcester and never returned to the majors. Last week, the Red Sox outrighted him off their 40-man roster, technically keeping him within the organization but without any guarantees.
Because he was non-tendered following the 2024 season, Campbell is once again eligible for free agency. Unlike last year, when Boston quickly re-signed him, there’s been no indication this time that the Red Sox plan to bring him back — signaling that the club may be ready to part ways with the struggling 28-year-old right-hander for good.
