The Boston Red Sox signed Ktistian Campbell to an eight-year, $60 million extension in April. However, after some struggles, he was sent to Triple-A.
Campbell slashed .301/.407/.495 in his first month as a big leaguer. However, by the time he was sent down, he was slashing .223/.319/.345 with some serious struggles defensively as well. Campbell is still only 22 years old and played just 19 games in Triple-A last seaosn before making the opening Day roster in Boston.
The Red Sox are not going to give up on him. However, they are exploring a major position change for him. When Triston Casas went down, the Red Sox worked Campbell out at first base, but he never played there. The move was presumably a way to facilitate Marcelo Mayer getting called up to play second base. However, when Alex Bregman got hurt, Mayer slotted in at third, and the Red Sox never tried Campbell out at first base.
Tonight, he is playing at first base for the Worcester WooSox tonight. It will be his first career appearance at first base. With Bregman slated to return, the Red Sox are likely hoping Campbell can find his swing again and playing him at first base would keep him in the lineup.
If Campbell figures things out and makes the right adjustments in the minor leagues, he could be back up in the big leagues soon. First base is still a question mark for the Red Sox, but if Campbell can play there, the Red Sox could ensure he, Bregman and Mayer are all in the lineup.
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Campbell figures to be a key part of the Red Sox’s future. However, so does Mayer and the team will try to keep Bregman around as well. Campbell learning to play first base could end up being key to getting him back in the lineup.
“To be able to play the position, that will be important,” Cora said, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “Obviously, with time, we’re going to have to make some decisions with the roster. Him playing first base is going to help us. The fact that he’s going to be able to play it is great.”
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