WooSox’ Kristian Campbell hitting .400 over first 2 games in Triple-A
It’s a small sample size, but new WooSox infielder/outfielder Kristian Campbell is tearing the cover off the ball in Triple-A. Boston promoted the fast-rising prospect on Sunday, and he was immediately penciled into the lineup on Tuesday, collecting two hits.
On Wednesday night, Campbell went 2-for-5 with a walk and three RBI in the WooSox’ 12-3 win over the Norfolk Tides.
Since his promotion, he's gone 4-for-10 with a double, one run, and six RBI and has stuck out twice in two games for the WooSox. Campbell has batted third in both games and has played shortstop, a position that Marcelo Mayer was expected to play, but he has been out of action with hip and glute soreness. Mayer was recently placed on the 7-day Triple-A injured list.
Campbell has seen a meteoric rise through the Red Sox system since he was drafted out of Georgia Tech in the fourth round of the 2023 draft. He is currently ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the Red Sox system, according to SoxProspects.com.
The 22-year-old has played at three different levels this season: 40 games with the Greenville Drive, 56 games with the Portland Sea Dogs, and two with the Worcester Red Sox. His numbers are eye-popping at the plate, batting .341 with a solid .445 on-base percentage, .570 slugging percentage, and a 1.015 OPS. In addition, Campbell has hit 16 homers, 31 doubles, and three triples while driving in 66 RBI and stealing 21 bags.
He’s seen time at second base, shortstop and center field during this stops at multiple levels of the Sox’ system.
“I feel very comfortable at every position on the field,” Campbell said to Beyond the Monster in July. “I haven’t really played first base, pitcher, or catcher. I can’t really pitch or catch because I haven’t done that before. Everywhere else on the field, I feel comfortable where I suit up if I can get some work in. My main spots are everything up the middle of the field, and I feel very comfortable roving around to each position wherever the team needs me that day. I just want to be a sound defender wherever the team needs me.”
In MLB Pipeline’s recent update to their top 100 prospects, Campbell ranks No. 80 overall, while ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel has the 22-year-old as the 54th overall prospect in baseball.
Roman Anthony continues to deliver at the plate
Roman Anthony reached base four times for the second straight game. The 20-year-old outfielder went 2-for-4 with two walks, one run, and one RBI, all out of the leadoff spot for the WooSox.
Through his first eight games with Worcester, Anthony has been swinging a hot bat, going 11-for-31 (.355) with one homer, three doubles, five RBI, seven runs, four walks, and four strikeouts.
Another notable mention from the WooSox win on Wednesday night came from the bat of Enmanuel Valdez. The 25-year-old left-handed hitter went 1-for-4 with a walk, and he knocked in four RBI while scoring two runs.
Valdez also played left field; this was the second time he’s played the position with the WooSox this year. He’s seen 17 innings in left with four putouts. Besides his time in left field, Valdez has played two games in right field, all in an effort to create more positional versatility.
