After a short, rocky introduction to the big leagues, the Boston Red Sox must find a home for Kristian Campbell this coming season. That's easier said than done, especially this year.
The Red Sox signed Campbell to an eight-year, $60 million contract with no concrete position in mind after he spent a week in the major leagues. Many Boston fans hope for a reunion with Alex Bregman this winter, which would place Trevor Story at shortstop and Marcelo Mayer at second base, leaving no room for Campbell in the infield. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow must see things playing out similarly.
“If you think about where his athleticism may play in the short-term, I think in the outfield, he feels pretty comfortable as a chance to just let the instincts take over,” Breslow said, via Tim Healey of The Boston Globe (subscription required).
Breslow also said that the Red Sox would try to limit the number of positions he plays. Campbell moved between the infield and outfield during his time with Boston last season, which may have adversely affected his development at both positions, similar to what happened with Ceddanne Rafaela when he switched between shortstop and center field in 2024.
Craig Breslow expects Kristian Campbell to be an outfielder in the big leagues amid Red Sox's deep outfield logjam
Campbell's infield defense is one of the things that contributed to his demotion to Triple-A just weeks after he signed an extension last year. He posted -9 outs above average and -16 defensive runs saved over 67 games. The 23-year-old spent time in both the infield and outfield in the minor leagues, but Boston's outfield picture is crowded, even without Campbell in it.
The Red Sox's outfield logjam has been one of the main drivers behind trade rumors this offseason. Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran need everyday spots, with Masataka Yoshida, Jhostynxon Garcia, and possibly Rob Refsnyder and Campbell in the mix. If Boston expects Campbell to have an everyday starting role in its outfield, it may need to trade two big-league bats instead of just one.
Campbell could even land among the Sox's potential trade candidates. The former top prospect has come up in trade rumors on a few occasions, not limited to this offseason, due to his young age, favorable contract and potential. If Campbell needs to be an outfielder, the best fit could be with another club.
But Campbell is a Red Sox, at least for now, and his offseason seems to have gotten off to a good start. Along with his defensive struggles, Campbell's offense was severely diminished last season after he lost weight and strength due to the demands of the big leagues. Breslow said the young infielder/outfielder already looks stronger and this offseason will be a physical and mental reset for him before his expected return to the major league roster.