Most MLB prospects have to play in the Minor League for years before getting a call-up. Some players have to work their way up from Single-A to MLB. Well, that is not the case for the Boston Red Sox's second baseman, Kristian Campbell, who was drafted in 2023 and is already starting for the Red Sox after just two years in the minors.
Campbell made the opening day roster, which was a surprise to some because he had been drafted not too long ago and because, to some, he is not even considered the best prospect on the team. Despite the odds against him, Campbell signed an eight-year 60-million-dollar deal with the Red Sox, and he has already started making an impact.
So far through seven games Campbell has a .417 batting average with two home runs, four RBIs, and only five strike outs. He got a hit in his first MLB game and it only took him three games to hit a home run. Campbell going from being drafted two years go to an early season standout for the Red Sox takes a lot of hard work, preparation, talent, and help from the organization.
That is exactly what Campbell talked about in his interview on MLB Network. He was asked about how he has been able to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time and he gave a lot of credit to his coaches, his teammates, and the organization. He said the Red Sox slowed down the game for him and made it easy for him to work and get better.
Campbell was asked if he had an idea that he may make the roster in spring training and, if not when he did know. When asked, he said "Throughout spring training, but it heated up quick I would say in the last week or so."
When asked about the biggest surprise so far he said "I mean I would say just playing in front of a lot of people for the first time is different. The energy is always good, this is the second opening day we played this season so far. The first one was in Texas and that was electric and the next one was here with the Orioles. "
You can see how well Campbell is fitting in and getting along with his teammates as well. During the interview, you can hear Red Sox All-Star left fielder Jarren Duran shout something and Campbell responds with, "That was Duran, he's bugging me right now."
Getting along with the veterans on the squad and fitting in is a great sign for a young and promising prospect. Campbell also mentioned that getting his first hit and home run out of the way early in the season was a great feeling, and it meant a lot to him because his family was there at the games.
Campbell explained that "It meant a lot, it was really great because my family was there to see it and they haven't seen me play in a long time, so I was really happy they got to stay for the whole series and see how I did and I'm happy I played good in front of them."
Campbell has already looked good, and at just 22 years old, he has the potential to be one of the best second baseman in the league. He is a fantastic hitter that has home run power but can also get on base. He has great plate vision and does a really good job of only swinging at hittable pitches.
Campbell has already been able to work his way up to the majors and who knows har far he will go now that he is in the league. He is off to a great start and it looks like the Red Sox hit a home run with this prospect. Seeing how Campbell gets better throughout the season and the next few years will be a beautiful sight for the Red Sox fans and the organization.
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