Article: With Kristian Campbell Locked Down, Is Second Base Locked Down Too?

[Nick John]

The Boston Red Sox just made a huge commitment to Kristian Campbell. Now that he's locked in well into the next decade, will he get a chance to take over second base every day?

On Wednesday, the Red Sox announced that they had locked up second baseman Kristian Campbell to an eight-year extension, securing a core piece of their future through at least his age-30 season. The deal, valued at $60 million, can increase all the way to 10 years and $100 million (plus another $22 million in incentives) if the Red Sox pick up two options. The move also raises a question: will Campbell remain at second base for the entirety of his contract?

Selected in the fourth round of the 2023 draft out of Georgia Tech, Campbell spent most, but not all of his time at second in college. He was drafted with the compensation pick that the Red Sox got from the San Diego Padres for signing Xander Bogaerts that past winter. In his first season in the minors, Campbell played in 22 games, appearing at second base in 15 of them. However, there was no guarantee he would stick there. The organization had former first-round pick Nick Yorke in the system still, the man who had been viewed as the future second baseman when he was drafted. Yorke’s value has dropped since then, but the organization had yet to give up on him.

In 2024, Campbell’s versatility was on display once more, as he played across three different levels in the minor leagues. Appearing in 115 games between Greenville, Portland, and Worcester, Campbell split time between second base, shortstop, third base, and center field. Campbell spent 36 games at both second and short, as well as 25 in center and five a third base. Even during spring training and over the early part of the 2025 season, the Red Sox have moved Campbell around, not letting him get settled in any one position.

The belief entering the season was that the team wanted him to be the starting second baseman. Unfortunately, Campbell never really got the chance to play second every day and is still relatively new to the position, having only played 51 games there in the minor leagues. The lack of game action shows his lack of experience showed up in his footwork and double-play turn. Still, there's no reason that Campbell couldn't keep growing at second base as he tries to claim that position as his own for the next decade.

Shortstop is likely out of the question for Campbell, as the team has incumbent Trevor Story and top prospect Marcelo Mayer waiting at Triple-A. The duo will keep shortstop covered for the foreseeable future. It’s also hard to picture Campbell moving to the outfield as a full-time starter anytime soon, as the team is loaded with young talent. The current starting outfield of Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu are all sticking around for the next few years, barring a trade, and Alex Cora has insisted that Masataka Yoshida will get some time in the outfield if and when he returns to the club. Top overall prospect Roman Anthony is waiting in Triple-A just like Mayer. If one of the three starting outfielders is traded, it would be to make room for Anthony.

The 6-foot-3 Campbell is somewhat large for a second baseman; the average height is currently 5-foot-11. He's also seen time at third, and it's not impossible that he could end up there whenever Alex Bregman's time with the team ends. Bregman could opt out after this year, and if he doesn’t, he is only in Boston for a maximum of three years (not including a possible extension). Much like Campbell, Bregman was not drafted as a third baseman but rather moved there in the minor leagues.

Still, second base likely makes the most sense for Campbell over the long term. The Red Sox lack depth at second, with neither David Hamilton nor Vaughn Grissom looking ready to handle the position on a daily basis. Moreover, the team just hitched its wagon to Campbell for the next eight to 10 years. Those kinds of franchise cornerstones usually have a position locked down (in much the same way that Rafael Devers was told that third base would be his when he signed his mega-extension). If the Red Sox view Campbell as the long-term answer at second, it's probably time to let him show what he can do at the position every day. If they view him as a super-utility player, racking up value by bringing great production in both the infield and the outfield, they should probably make that clearer. Knowing that you have a defined role and are valued for it can help a young player build confidence.

As a prospect, Campbell was known for his defensive versatility, and while it may prove important throughout his career, he has shown the most promise at second His athleticism should help him out at any position, though his average arm may make the decision to keep him at second base an easy one. While passable for a shortstop or third baseman, it is best suited for second base. His defense will continue to grow as he gains more experience, whether it's in the outfield or the infield, but one thing is certain: second base is currently the only position where he can get regular at-bats. There could always be a roster shakeup that opens a spot down the road, but for the time being, Campbell's current abilities have him playing his best defensively at second base. 

There will be plenty of time to discuss this issue. Locking Campbell down for at least the next eight years was a huge decision. At 22, he has plenty of time to work on his defense and to get some clarity about his role on the team.

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[Brock Beauchamp]

This is quite the photo you chose here, @Davy Andrews.

[Davy Andrews]

2 hours ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

This is quite the photo you chose here, @Davy Andrews.

He's showing how badly he wants the job!

[Caleb Kohn]

Not going to lie that was my first thought too haha

[smokedogg1982]

I think they should keep Campbell at 2nd longterm. He will make the occasional mistake like yesterday but he has been part of a double play turning machine so far this season.