Potential Kristian Campbell rebound could complicate Red Sox’s roster construction

Kristian Campbell took center field to open the Boston Red Sox’s 2026 spring training campaign on February 20.

Campbell enjoyed just a short tenure on the major league roster last year after inking a $60 million contract extension just weeks into last season. A revealing sign underpinning his struggles appears to have been weight loss issues. Shedding bulk is a key issue among rookies, according to reporting by Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, but this offseason his weight has rebounded, rising from 202 to 216 ahead of spring training (as reported by Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald, subscriptions required).

Campbell is also flashing some power in his early appearances in batting practice. Specifically, he has been spotted darting balls to the pull side, hammering them toward left field where the Green Monster stands imperious at Fenway Park. His two at-bats Friday showed more of the same aggression, with two balls pelted into the outfield with authority to drive in a run apiece.

Kristian Campbell’s resurgence is great for Red Sox, but his return lacks a clear path to playing time

Campbell was seemingly Boston’s answer to a longstanding question at second base when the team broke camp in 2025. But his energy and efficiency quickly faded. After being named rookie of the month for March and April, he was sent down in June and remained in Worcester for the rest of the season.

Since then, Campbell has worked out a first base, spent time back in the outfield grass, and showed a willingness to do whatever the team asked without hesitation. All that movement has left Campbell without a primary or permanent home in the lineup, but going into 2026 he’s slated to stay in the outfield mix rather than serving in a super utility role. That stability should give Campbell the opportunity to settle into the game and gain some confidence that translates into a better approach in the batter’s box, one of the main issues that plagued him before heading back to Triple-A.

Yet, moving into the outfield conversation limits his value in a different way. The Boston outfield is still overloaded with talented names all vying for at-bats. Failing, thus far, to trade an outfielder leaves Boston with four starting-caliber players and Masataka Yoshida to work into the batting order and defensive alignment.

Throw Campbell into that mix and fans are looking at a bloated outfield unit with six players making a strong case to soak up significant playing time in four batting spots. Fans and the front office alike will be hoping Cambell makes a big comeback this season. But as an outfielder, a ball-hammering Cambell only complicates the roster construction.