No. 2: Second base prospect Kristian Campbell
Kristian Campbell entered 2024 as a prospect to watch in High-A for Red Sox fans. He left 2024 in Triple-A as potential a top-five prospect in the world with many more eyes on him.
The right-handed hitter demolished High-A pitching before humiliating Double-A pitching before laughing off Triple-A pitching. It was impressive to watch. Campbell slashed .330/.439/.558 with 32 doubles, three triples, and 20 home runs between the three levels. He recorded 77 RBI, 94 runs, and 24 steals. The 22-year-old walked 74 times in 517 plate appearances (14.3% BB rate) and struck out 103 times (19.9% strikeout rate).
The fans' concerns over his swing vanished into the night like a baseball that Campbell pieced 500-MPH over the wall.
Campbell appeared in games at second base, third base, shortstop, and centerfield in 2024. I would say it helped keep him in the lineup daily, but any team he's on is fitting him into their plans no matter what.
The Georgia Tech product stole the show in 2024. He was named the minor league hitting prospect and breakout player of the year. That's in all of baseball, by the way, not just the Boston organization.
Campbell drew plenty of walks, and strikeouts weren't a major issue. He lays off tough pitches, and he has elite bat speed. In any given plate appearance, you could see Campbell work a 12-pitch walk, hit the first pitch he sees 110 MPH for a home run, or drop one into the opposite field.
Last year, I said there was a little pop in his bat that he could unlock, but nothing crazy. Luckily, I wasn't the only one who said this, so I didn't look too dumb. Campbell made adjustments, and that power potential went through the roof. He could be a 25-30 home run bat. Listed at 6'3", 191 lbs, Campbell has pipes on him. If he adds more bulk, it could be scary.
There's plenty of speed in his game because, apparently, Superman has no flaws. It helps him cover plenty of ground in centerfield and show off range in the middle infield. The only thing holding him back from 30-plus steals might be that he gets too many extra-base hits.
Campbell has shown that he can play multiple positions well. I think second base is his best position. He has great range, he looks comfortable there, and his slightly above-average arm plays best there.
However, Campbell could move around defensively, and I don't think he'd have any issues. He is a gifted athlete with natural talent, so constant position-switching won't hinder him much.
Kristian Campbell became one of the best prospects in baseball in 2024. It's terrifying to imagine what he'll do in 2025. I can confidently say I won't be talking about him on my top 30 list next year, though. He'll be in the Majors.
Hit: 65
Power: 65
Run: 60
Arm: 50
Field: 60
Overall: 65
No. 1: Outfield prospect Roman Anthony
Roman Anthony is our Tribal Chief. That isn't just a joke anymore because he shares the same first name as Roman Reigns. Anthony is the best prospect in baseball. What he did in 2024 as a 20-year-old is borderline illegal.
The left-handed hitting outfielder began the year in Double-A. He slashed .269/.367/.489 with 20 doubles, three triples, and 15 home runs at the level. Anthony recorded 45 RBI, 60 runs, and 16 steals in 84 games. Those numbers are phenomenal for anyone. When you factor in the fact that most players his age are in High-A or even Single-A, it gets scary.
Not only were the numbers good, but Anthony was possibly the most impressive bat in a lineup that featured Mayer and Teel. His average wasn't on par with those two, but he was consistently having the best plate appearances. Anthony drew tough walks, hit the ball ridiculously hard, and never went down easy.
The Florida native was promoted to Triple-A in August with Mayer and Teel. It was there that he went scorched earth. Anthony slashed .344/.463/.519 with 12 doubles, one triple, and three home runs. He recorded 20 RBI, 33 runs, and five steals in 35 games. Anthony drew long walks, hit the ball ridiculously hard, and never went down easy. He drew 79 walks in 540 plate appearances (14.6% walk rate) and struck out 127 times (23.5% K rate). He drew 79 walks in 540 plate appearances (14.6% walk rate) and struck out 127 times (23.5% K rate).
The Tribal Chief only grounded into two double plays.
Anthony has shown the ability to go the other way in the past. He makes pitchers work. There's plenty of pop, but Anthony isn't afraid to be patient and take what the pitcher gives him. He should hit for a good average and put up gaudy OBP numbers.
Anthony has phenomenal power. He had a few of the hardest-hit balls in the entire Red Sox system (including the Majors) this year. He has 30-plus home run potential. Listed at 6'2", 200 lbs, Anthony is an imposing figure in the box. That fits his power perfectly.
Anthony is a good runner. He has above-average speed and base running abilities. Seasons with 20-plus steals are on the table. It's a testament to how good he is in every other category that some don't even realize he can run.
Defensively, Anthony has looked great in centerfield. He can stick at the position, but he might not have the option due to Boston's current situation (Ceddane Rafaela and Jarren Duran both play the position).
Anthony is athletic and makes good reads. He has plus arm strength that would be great in center (or right) at Fenway Park.
Anthony is a model prospect. His absurd rise has spoiled Red Sox fans (Kristian Campbell didn't help that either). They now seem to think it's normal for prospects to make it to Triple-A and dominate at a young age. No, Anthony's just a freak of nature.
His physical makeup is great, and he always impresses me character-wise. When I talked to him after the season, Anthony mentioned having a lot to work on this offseason. Despite being the top prospect in baseball, he's still hungry.
Anthony also mentioned barely missing out on a 20/20 season. Despite being close for a few weeks and wanting it, you never saw Anthony press. He was still drawing walks and helping the team win games. Not chasing a personal milestone despite knowing about it shows a lot of maturity.
Physical tools are most important, but character is big. You want someone who can lead your franchise on and off the field. Anthony can be that for the Red Sox for the next two decades.
Hit: 60
Power: 70
Run: 50
Arm: 60
Field: 60
Overall: 70