Opening Day 2025 is just over three weeks away, and there’s still time to determine who will make the Boston Red Sox’s final roster. While most of the veteran spots are secured, several prospects are still working to prove they deserve a place in manager Alex Cora’s regular-season lineup.
One of those prospects is Kristian Campbell, the team’s No. 2-ranked prospect, who is competing for a spot on the roster. After a slow start to the spring season, the 22-year-old infielder recorded his first hit in exhibition play, a single, during Monday’s 6-6 tie against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Red Sox are looking for more of the same from Campbell, prompting Cora to deliver a clear message to the rising prospect after Monday’s game.
Red Sox News: Alex Cora Comments on Kristian Campbell’s Spring Training Struggles
After the tie with the Orioles, Cora shared with MLB.com’s Ian Browne that while Campbell has been “working hard” and “grinding” throughout the offseason, he’s been making poor decisions at the plate. For Campbell to turn things around, his manager expects him to show more discipline.
“We talked to him, and he said, ‘Just got to swing.’ (We were like), ‘No, it’s the other way around. You’ve got to swing less,'” Cora said. “The 0-for-4 (vs. the Philadelphia Phillies), the last two strikeouts were pitches off the plate, and he doesn’t do that.”
Although the Red Sox didn’t come out on top against the rival Orioles, Cora probably isn’t too concerned. It’s not because spring training games lack importance, but because he finally got to see Campbell celebrate for the first time in a while.
“It was good to see him smile,” Cora added.
Expectations for Campbell are understandably high after his standout 2024 season. Playing 115 games (430 at-bats) across three minor league levels, the 2023 fourth-round pick hit 20 home runs, drove in 77 RBIs, walked 74 times, stole 24 bases, and posted a .330/.439/.558 slash line. This impressive performance has been a key factor in his ranking as the MLB’s No. 7 prospect this season.
Ultimately, the Red Sox would benefit greatly from Campbell continuing his development and reaching his potential. If he makes the MLB roster, it could also help Boston take advantage of its strong 2025 World Series odds, currently tied for seventh (+2000) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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