The Boston Red Sox farm system has received a surplus of attention since the MLB Draft. Boston's first-round pick Braden Montgomery shot onto top prospect lists and the Sox's usual suspects have climbed higher.
An infield prospect not named Marcelo Mayer has stolen headlines recently. Kristian Campbell has been the subject of much hype around the Sox's prospect pool. His breakout season has reporters and scouts paying close attention.
According to Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe, some pro scouts who observed Eastern League games this season named Campbell as the best prospect in Boston's system. His 2024 stats may be worthy of such a compliment.
The 22-year-old has shot up through the ranks in the minor leagues this season. He began the campaign in High-A Greenville, where he slashed .306/.418/.558 with a .976 OPS over 40 games.
Top Red Sox infield prospect Kristian Campbell has earned high praise from pro scouts
Kristian Campbell wasting NO time.
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) August 21, 2024
So far tonight: 2 H, 3 RBI pic.twitter.com/A9ZY9qZlgw
He was then promoted to Double-A Portland where he swung the bat even better. He batted .362/.463/.582 with a 1.045 OPS, 15 doubles, three triples and eight homers in 56 games. Campbell walked 35 times, struck out 38 times and stole 17 bases with the Sea Dogs.
The infielder was promoted to Triple-A Worcester on Aug. 20 and he posted a solid debut performance. He went 2-for-5 at the plate with three RBI and a stolen base. Many believe he was promoted to play shortstop in Mayer's stead during his stint on the seven-day injured list with a back issue, but Campbell may be playing his way to a permanent spot on the roster.
His fellow top prospect Roman Anthony seems to agree. He shared with reporters that he and his teammates call Campbell "Barry Bonds" in honor of his hitting prowess.
With Barry Bonds as a nickname and honorary title of "best prospect in the Red Sox organization" on his shoulders, Campbell has high expectations to meet in Worcester for the rest of the season. But based on his stats, he should have no problem standing out.