Major League Scouting Report: Boston Red Sox' Kristian Campbell
The sky is the limit for Boston Red Sox rookie, Kristian Campbell.
The right-handed hitting Campbell has been a consequential hitter in the Red Sox lineup.
Campbell, who won't turn 24 until June 28, offers the Red Sox a quality power bat in the middle of the batting order.
Most frequently used at second base, Campbell has also played both center field and left field for the Red Sox.
Campbell was drafted as a shortstop from Georgia Tech in the 4th round of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft.
Campbell hit .376 at Georgia Tech in 2023, with 16 doubles, and four homers in 217 plate appearances.
Campbell redshirted for Georga Tech his first season.
Campbell went to the Red Sox at pick number 132 in the 2023 draft.
At 6-3, 191 pounds, Campbell presents a lanky frame in the middle of the infield or in the outfield.
Campbell went to George Walton Comprehensive High School in Marietta, Georgia, but he was not selected in the MLB draft after graduating.
Campbell was observed by scouts when he played for the Duluth Huskies, a Minnesota amateur team playing during the summer of 2023.
Campbell inherited athletic genes from his father, who played college football as a running back for the University of Tennessee.
In 2024, Campbell played at three minor league levels in the Red Sox development program. He spent time at Class-A Advanced Greenville, Double-A Portland, and Triple-A Worcester.
In 2024, Campbell was named the Minor League Player of the Year by both Baseball America, and USA Today
Campbell flew through his development program, spending only parts of two seasons in the minor leagues. He compiled 601 plate appearances, covering 137 games.
Campbell finished his minor league days with an outstanding stat line of .327/.439/.546./986, with 36 doubles, five triples, 21 homers, and 82 RBIs. He stole 27 bases in 38 attempts.
Campbell raised eyebrows as a consequential offensive presence as soon as his first season as a professional.
One of the first factors which sets Campbell apart is his outstanding contract rate.
As noted by fangraphs.com, Campbell has been hitting cleanup for the Red Sox, which is quite a testament to Campbell's offensive skills.
Campbell is hitting behind Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, and Alex Bregman, each capable of getting on base, giving Campbell plenty of RBI opportunities.
In general, left-handed hitting Wilyer Abreu hits behind Campbell, offering Campbell an opportunity to score runs.
Campbell has made himself into a valued five-tool player, with his best skills being his abilities to hit for a high batting average, with power.
At the age of 22, Campbell made his major league debut for the Red Sox on March 27, 2025, against the Texas Rangers. He went to the plate four times in the game, getting a single and a walk.
Offensively Campbell uses a bit of unorthodox swing mechanics,
Campbell has added weight and strength to his frame since his first year as a professional. The result has been an increase in power, and a greater concentration to using his left field pull side.
Disciplined at the plate, Campbell is aware of the strike zone, and his patience pays off with pitches he can drive.
There are times when Campbell is beaten by high velocity pitches up in the zone. However, he is consistently improving in laying off those pitches.
While Campbell makes consistent contact, he could benefit by seeing more pitches and walking more. But, he goes to the plate to drive the ball. When he gets his pitch, he swings.
Defensively, Campbell is probably best at second base. He has adequate range and arm strength to make routine plays. He is a better second baseman than shortstop at the big league level.
Clearly, Campbell has enough speed and ability to play the outfield, most notably, left field.
For this old scout, Campbell has the offensive firepower, plate discipline, and contact ability to earn All Star selections.
An average defender, Campbell can offer major league ability at second base, and left field, in particular.
Campbell has good speed, and he can steal bases when the opportunity presents itself.
Overall, the Red Sox have a gem in Kristian Campbell.
At the start of play May 14, Campbell was hitting .254/.346/.420/.766, with eight doubles, five homers, and 15 RBIs, in 159 plate appearances. He has stolen two bases in three attempts.
When Roman Anthony graduates to the parent club, he and Campbell will form an outstanding combination of young, exciting players for the future.
Here is my scouting report on Roman Anthony:
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