Kristian Campbell Playing New Position With Worcester Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are staring down a crucial stretch as the playoff race heats up. One of their most intriguing roster questions centers on 23-year-old prospect Kristian Campbell.

Campbell is currently with Triple-A Worcester, where he’s adding left field to his defensive toolkit—a move that could shape his path back to the majors. First base is still his main gig, but the WooSox want to keep his hot bat in the mix for a September call-up by trying him at multiple spots.

Boston’s front office faces a tricky decision: how do you fit Campbell’s offensive upside into the big-league roster without letting his defensive shortcomings hurt you?

Campbell’s Defensive Evolution with Worcester

Since Campbell’s demotion in late June, he’s mostly played first and second base. But in a recent game against the Iowa Cubs, he started in left field for the first time in Worcester.

The organization clearly wants to see if more defensive flexibility gives them extra options when injuries or cold streaks hit. WooSox coaches have been giving Campbell regular outfield reps in practice, even though he’s still focused on first base most days.

During that same game, David Hamilton—fresh from Boston—handled second base, while Nick Sogard played first. The minor league staff keeps shuffling defensive alignments, looking for what works.

Not Campbell’s First Outfield Rodeo

This wasn’t Campbell’s first time in the outfield. He actually started in left for Boston on Opening Day, March 29, and has seven games in center field earlier this year.

But with Ceddanne Rafaela locking down center so well, Campbell’s odds of grabbing a regular outfield spot in the majors aren’t great right now.

The Second Base Question

The Red Sox have had trouble finding stability at second base since Campbell went down. Even so, a return to second for him doesn’t seem likely.

He struggled defensively there before, and that’s a tough sell in the middle of a playoff chase.

First Base: The Clearest Path Back

If Campbell’s getting another shot in Boston this season, first base looks like his best bet. Abraham Toro’s been slumping—just a .200/.259/.295 line since early July—and the Sox could use a spark.

Campbell’s bat is on fire in Triple-A, so if Boston wants more production at first, he’s right in the conversation.

An Offensive Surge for the Ages

Campbell’s numbers since rejoining Worcester have been wild. He’s picked up hits in 17 of his last 20 games, with a .404 on-base percentage during that stretch.

Boston needs bats like that, especially with the playoff race this tight. But can they live with his glove at the next level?

Boston’s Roster Dilemma

The Red Sox front office has to figure out how to protect Campbell defensively while letting his bat help the team. Maybe that means more first base, a bit of left field, or using him as a pinch-hitter or DH.

Looking Ahead: September and Beyond

The season’s winding down, and the Red Sox have a huge choice to make. If they call up Campbell, he could bring some much-needed energy to the lineup.

But let’s be honest, the defense could be a headache. They’ll have to figure that out, somehow.

Kristian Campbell has put himself back in the conversation. His bat’s hard to ignore, and if Boston wants a real shot at the playoffs, maybe it’s time to bet his offense can cover up any fielding issues.

• Campbell’s been trying out left field at Triple-A, adding some flexibility to his game.
• Still, first base seems like his best chance to get back to the majors.
• Abraham Toro’s recent slump could open up a spot.
• Campbell’s posted a .404 OBP over his last 20 games, which is nothing to sneeze at.
• Boston’s got to juggle offense and defense as the playoff push gets serious.

 
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