The Boston Red Sox hotly contested second base position this spring may have just been solidified.
Boston Red Sox second baseman Kristian Campbell (28) bats during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers
© Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Per a post by KPRC 2’s Ari Alexander, Red Sox No. 2 Prospect Kristian Campbell (MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 overall prospect) has been informed he will be part of Boston’s Opening Day roster.
Campbell’s performance at the plate this spring hasn’t exactly turned heads.
In 20 games, the 22-year old has a slash line of .167/.305/.271 with one home run and 18 strikeouts in 48 at bats. Nonetheless, USA Today’s 2024 Minor League Player of the Year hasn’t let his underwhelming performance affect him.
“I feel good in the box. I have a plan,” Campbell told MLB.com. “I think having an approach going into the box and just trying to keep it as simple as possible is the main thing. Even though some things may not go your way, just make sure you don’t try to do too much. Keep it as simple as possible.”
Last season, Campbell hit .330 with 20 home runs and 77 RBI across three levels of Boston’s farm system.
On the defensive side of the ball, Campbell saw action in 15 games at second base this spring. In 84 Innings he recorded 19 putouts and 24 assists without an error. With Boston optioning Vaughn Grissom to Triple-AAA Worcester last week, the Red Sox second base competition was down to Campbell and speedster David Hamilton.
Campbell is one member of Boston’s ‘Big 3’ prospects, with MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 Roman Anthony and No. 12 Marcelo Mayer the others. Anthony and Mayer, who also received some looks at second base this spring, are likely to start the season in Triple-AAA.
The Red Sox open the season Thursday afternoon against the Texas Rangers from Globe Life Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.
