With the Boston Red Sox falling short of the postseason for the third consecutive season, it’s time to turn the page and look forward to 2025.
Sox fans are aware of the level of talent in the team's minor league system. Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, Kyle Teel, and Kristian Campbell all seem poised to contribute sooner rather than later. For two of these prospects, their impact could be felt as soon as Opening Day.
Campbell’s breakout season skyrocketed the 22-year-old infielder into top prospect territory. In 115 games this season, Campbell slashed .330/.439/.558 with 20 home runs and 77 RBI. He was named Baseball America’s 2024 Minor League Player of the Year and was named the Red Sox’s Offensive Player of the Year.
This standout season has prompted many to question whether or not we could see Campbell make the Opening Day squad in 2025. In addition to his hitting, Campbell is versatile defensively — he's serviceable at second base, shortstop, third base, and the outfield. With a hopefully healthy Trevor Story at shortstop, Rafael Devers at third, and the outfield as crowded as ever, it seems as if second base is where Campbell could find playing time if he were to make the team. There's a traffic jam there, too.
Roman Anthony reached base in every one of his 5 plate appearances last night. 🔥
— Red Sox Player Development (@RedSoxPlayerDev) September 21, 2024
He walked 4 times and ripped a 99.9 mph double. pic.twitter.com/wqUZYuUvqN
Last offseason, the Red Sox acquired Vaughn Grissom with the hopes of plugging him in at second base. Injuries and illness led Grissom to miss a big chunk of the season. When he has played, it hasn’t been stellar. In 28 games with the Red Sox, he’s hitting .192 with a .455 OPS. Depending on Grissom’s health and the Red Sox’s level of confidence in the infielder, we may see Campbell as the Opening Day second baseman with the hopes that he can provide an offensive spark.
Anthony is another prospect with the potential to make an instant impact in 2025. After a strong minor league season, we may see him make the jump to Boston right away. Even if Tyler O’Neill departs in free agency, the outfield still feels crowded. However, the possibility of Wilyer Abreu being traded for pitching this offseason does open a lane for Anthony to make the Opening Day roster.
Craig Breslow doesn't rule out Kristian Campbell, Roman Anthony making Red Sox Opening Day rostrer
Anthony brings a lot to the table, showcasing decent power and speed, while being able to hold his own at all three outfield positions. With Anthony knocking on the door, it could easily create a path where the team feels comfortable moving Abreu for pitching and giving him a shot on the Opening Day roster.
Whether or not Campbell or Anthony make the 2025 Opening Day roster is up in the air, but it’s certainly a possibility. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been non-committal on the chances of the two top prospects making the team in 2025.
“Our goal come Opening Day is to have the best 26 players we can on the roster,” he said to The Boston Globe.
It’ll be interesting to see if Campbell and Anthony make the cut. If they post spring training performances that rival their 2024 seasons, it sounds like they could have a good chance.