Before their May 16 tilt against the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox dropped two big reveals — their new Green Monster-themed City Connect uniforms (which are amazing), and a potential position change.
Kristian Campbell has been spotted doing first base drills at Fenway Park. Red Sox reporter Alex Speier of The Boston Globe supplied the first video of the rookie fielding grounders. The top prospect has been Boston's primary second baseman, with the occasional outfield appearance sprinkled in, since he made the Opening Day roster.
Fans have suggested testing the water with Campbell at first base — among many other options — since Rafael Devers adamantly refused to take up the position in Triston Casas' prolonged absence. Boston needs a regular first baseman and it has a logjam of middle infielders to choose from at second base if Campbell's move is successful. But one specific shortstop comes to mind to take the job.
A potential move to first base for Campbell could open the door for the Red Sox to call up Marcelo Mayer. The top prospect has been in Triple-A all season, despite making a great case for the Opening Day roster in spring training.
Moving Kristian Campbell to first base could be the easiest path for the Red Sox to call up Marcelo Mayer
Mayer has crushed Triple-A pitching with the WooSox this year, to the tune of a .274/.341/.486 slash line and .827 OPS. He's knocked five doubles, a triple, eight homers and an International League-leading 39 RBI. He's also known for his smooth and effortless defense at shortstop, where he's posted a .980 fielding percentage over 229 innings.
Craig Breslow has made it clear that he has no plans to summon Mayer and his fellow top prospect Roman Anthony to the big leagues until there are everyday roles for them in their natural positions on the roster. Mayer has played 41 innings at second base this year with one error.
The Red Sox could also move a struggling Trevor Story to second base to open shortstop for Mayer. Story is still a solid defender, but has lost some of his range over the years he's spent on Boston's injured list. He's also struggling at the plate, with a .220/.267/.325 slash line in his last 15 games.
Story played second base during the first of his six-year deal with the Red Sox, as Xander Bogaerts was still with the team. He registered a .984 fielding percentage over 813.2 innings at second base in 2022.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed that the team is working Campbell out at first base, but is merely testing the water and "looking for options." But if Campbell adjusts well to playing first base, it could be Boston's easiest path to an everyday roster spot for Mayer, who could give the club a much-needed jolt on both sides of the ball.