The Boston Red Sox infield alignment could come down to a lanky, 22-year-old Georgia Tech graduate.
MLB analyst Steve Phillips puts a lot of stock into Kristian Campbell’s development and major league readiness, claiming that Campbell will decide who plays where in the infield. He recently announced his bold prediction on Feb. 17 on MLB Network.
“Kristian Campbell, the young second baseman prospect, is actually going to be the deciding factor on what position [Rafael] Devers and [Alex] Bregman play. If the kid makes the big league team, Bregman goes to third and Devers goes to first, DH. [It’s] not often that a rookie dictates where veterans play on a team. … It does point to the level of expectations they have for Kristian Campbell,” Phillips said.
Theoretically, Phillips’ assessment is correct. Campbell ascended through Single, Double, and Triple-A last year, slashing .330/.439/.558 with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 115 games. Since he was drafted in 2022, he’s also gained power and improved his bat speed and path. As the seventh-best prospect in the league and best among second basemen, Campbell should deliver on the lofty expectations set for him.
The Red Sox's infield alignment could hinge on Kristian Campbell's spring training performance
.@StevePhillipsGM says Red Sox prospect Kristian Campbell could be "the deciding factor" on where Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers play this season. pic.twitter.com/gDk2R7e6r2
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 17, 2025
But theory and reality aren’t always the same. Campbell is young and shouldn’t be rushed. His arm strength is still a weakness and he has an awkward throwing motion that could be smoothed out. Even if the Sox believe these technical improvements can be addressed later, it’s not a given that Campbell will play at the same level he did in the minors.
Phillips’ take was also delivered before Devers’ spring training press conference where he admitted his refusal to play anywhere but third base. Triston Casas later backed up Devers’ stance in a separate press conference, stating, “I think it’s Raffy Devers’ position. I think he’s a third baseman, that’s where it stands.”
Campbell being the deciding factor in the infield position battle drama is too much to ask of him. All the 22-year-old should be expected to do is contribute enough to support the veterans and show the occasional moment of brilliance.
Although the infield is expected to change as the Sox attempt to put together the best lineup and defense possible, Boston can’t let Campbell’s quick ascent through the minors dictate the starting infield. The Sox need to set Campbell up for success, not add more pressure.
While Boston’s problems may be solved with Campbell’s debut, it’s unreasonable to expect things to magically work out. If the Sox want to support Campbell, they'll slot him in wherever he fits best instead of tailor the infield around him.