Kristian Campbell's New Position Adds Another Wrinkle to Red Sox's Offseason Plans

[mvp 78]

16 hours ago, Behindenemylines said:

Any lineup without Rafaela in center is a waste of the best centerfielder in baseball, Can see Campbell taking Refsynders roster spot, With ABs in RF for Abreau against lefties, 2B for Mayer against lefties, and possible ABs at 1B.

Not sure he's a good replacement for Refsnyder as he doesn't carry a huge split LH vs RH. We already know Ref can OPS 900 vs LHP. Campbell has a long way to go to get there for a whole season.

[Old Red]

23 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Not sure he's a good replacement for Refsnyder as he doesn't carry a huge split LH vs RH. We already know Ref can OPS 900 vs LHP. Campbell has a long way to go to get there for a whole season.

The Red Sox did not handle Campbell very well last season, and except for a flourish in April he was in pretty much a lost season. I know the big thing with Cora, and the Red Sox is versatility, but not every player can do that, and after all the maneuvers with Campbell last season he’s a player with a contract, but not a position.

[Hugh2]

12 minutes ago, Old Red said:

The Red Sox did not handle Campbell very well last season, and except for a flourish in April he was in pretty much a lost season. I know the big thing with Cora, and the Red Sox is versatility, but not every player can do that, and after all the maneuvers with Campbell last season he’s a player with a contract, but not a position.

I’ve generally been in favor of moving guys around and exposing them to other roles and developing versatility.

but I think you’re right, that’s just not for everyone.  Some guys need more continuity, I’m rooting for the kid, but I kind of wish the Sox realized that about him before dishing out the money

[Old Red]

5 minutes ago, Hugh2 said:

I’ve generally been in favor of moving guys around and exposing them to other roles and developing versatility.

but I think you’re right, that’s just not for everyone.  Some guys need more continuity, I’m rooting for the kid, but I kind of wish the Sox realized that about him before dishing out the money

I agree, and that contract put extra pressure on KC IMO.

[moonslav59]

3 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

Not sure he's a good replacement for Refsnyder as he doesn't carry a huge split LH vs RH. We already know Ref can OPS 900 vs LHP. Campbell has a long way to go to get there for a whole season.

We can't have Campbell (or Garcia) on the 26 to start just 30% of all games (vs LHPs.) They need to play everyday.

[Randy Red Sox]

On 11/16/2025 at 9:03 AM, moonslav59 said:

They may not be considering 1B as an option, because they know they will be adding a 1Bman, this winter.

In a vacuum LF seems like the most likely fit for KC, and with all the talk of trading Duran, ir make sense to give the RHB'er a shot there. The problem is we already have Anthony LF, Rafaela CF and Abreu RF and a decent RHB prospect in JH Garcai who looks MLB ready, too. I'm wondering if we trade 2 OF'ers, bring back Ref and plop KC in LF w REF as a reinforcement. Otherwise, he plays LF in AAA until needed FT in the bigs in LF or at DH.

Another choice is to trade KC. His $7.5M may not be an overpay, but it would allow for an upgrade on an intended signing. Trading Duran and KC, probably in separate trades to add pitching and/or an infield bat makes some sense.

I think they are planning on giving Casas the first shot at 1B next year and i totally agree with that.

[mvp 78]

22 minutes ago, Randy Red Sox said:

I think they are planning on giving Casas the first shot at 1B next year and i totally agree with that.

If they sign Alonso, Casas isn't getting the first shot.

[notin]

24 minutes ago, Randy Red Sox said:

I think they are planning on giving Casas the first shot at 1B next year and i totally agree with that.

Casas is frustrating but he can hit.  I’m hoping he isnt first option at 1b, but he’s ahead of Campbell.

If Campbell isn’t traded, he likely heads to Worcester, plays LF, and waits for the right injury.  Not sure what this whole “wrinkle” in the plans is…

[moonslav59]

2 hours ago, Randy Red Sox said:

I think they are planning on giving Casas the first shot at 1B next year and i totally agree with that.

Agreed. They may still get Alonso thinking one can dh, but that damn Masa contract!

[Larry Cook]

If we resign Bregman, except for a left handed reliever, we may be done for rest of the offseason. 

[moonslav59]

10 minutes ago, Larry Cook said:

If we resign Bregman, except for a left handed reliever, we may be done for rest of the offseason. 

If I had to bet, it might be on Bregman, Realmuto & Matz

Maybe Okamoto & Matz.

[Behindenemylines]

On 11/28/2025 at 11:20 AM, moonslav59 said:

We can't have Campbell (or Garcia) on the 26 to start just 30% of all games (vs LHPs.) They need to play everyday.

Campbell playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. Will probably get an ideal from that on how the Sox plan to use him as his manager is one of the Sox coaches. Reports say the Sox are going to place him in the OF. We shall see. Garcia starts the 26 season in AAA unless he is traded this off season. There are just too many bodies in front of him. He does need to play every day and would be able to do that in AAA.

[moonslav59]

7 minutes ago, Behindenemylines said:

Campbell playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. Will probably get an ideal from that on how the Sox plan to use him as his manager is one of the Sox coaches. Reports say the Sox are going to place him in the OF. We shall see. Garcia starts the 26 season in AAA unless he is traded this off season. There are just too many bodies in front of him. He does need to play every day and would be able to do that in AAA.

I have to think LF and DH are his best positions, at this point- all the more reason to trade LHB Duran.

However, we are losing nearly 1200 PAs from Bregman, Devers, Refsnyder and Lowe. Duran was our best wire-to-wire offensive player in 2024 and 2025.

Tough call for Brez. I don't trade Duran, unless we add 2 big bats- like KMarte & Alonso.