The team signed him to big deal in 2025, but there's been very little buzz about him heading into the new campaign.
I have to admit: When it comes to the Boston Red Sox and their roster plans for 2026, I'm a little confused.
We've heard the Red Sox be connected to Alex Bregman, and Bo Bichette, and Eugenio Suarez, and Brendan Donovan. Our own Tom Carroll has written extensively about their chances of getting Nico Hoerner from the Chicago Cubs. We've also toyed with the idea of playing Ceddanne Rafaela at second base. And my question is, what is going on with Kristian Campbell?
Because in a perfect world, the Red Sox wouldn't need any of those options. Sure, they would be luxury items, but the team - and the fanbase - seem to be operating from the position that they are necessities.
And that confuses me.
The team has Trevor Story at shortstop, and they have Marcelo Mayer to play third. That should leave second base for Campbell, a player who made the Opening Day roster at that position in 2025. If he was good enough to make the Opening Day roster in 2025, and good enough to sign to an eight-year, $60 million extension, then shouldn't he be good enough to pencil in for the Opening Day job in 2026?
Look, I understand his .223 average in 67 games was underwhelming, but you signed him to a long-term deal, now it's time to give him some runway.
And if it doesn't work in the first half of the season, then fine, you turn to the trade market. Suarez was dealt at the deadline last year, as was Ty France, as was Willi Castro. There are always names and potential upgrades available.
I understood trying to bring back Bregman because of the leadership component, but Campbell is a player you drafted, developed, and believed in enough to sign to an eight-year deal. Shouldn't you trust him enough to start the season with the job?
Or is the Red Sox' interest in all these other scenarios just an admission that they made a mistake with Campbell? That they overvalued him.
We'll find out in 2026, one way or the other, but for my money - just let him play at this point and see what you've got.
I know no one likes uncertainty, but with the rotation the Red Sox have, and the veterans in the lineup, there should be enough other certainties to allow Campbell a little runway to figure out what he's made of.
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