WooSox’ Kristian Campbell provides immediate impact in Triple-A debut
Before the Red Sox promoted prospect Kristian Campbell to Triple-A Worcester, his teammates shared what his nickname was in Portland.
“We call him Barry Bonds just because of how good of a hitter he is,” Anthony said about Campbell, who was on fire at the plate since joining the Sea Dogs. “He’s a great player. He’s a freak athlete.
“Plays the game the right way, and he’s a great person on and off the field. And it’s rare that you can get a guy like that who can play so many different premium positions and play at the level that he plays at while putting up the numbers that he has put up.”
Campbell is now with his fellow former Sea Dogs’ teammates Kyle Teel, Marcelo Mayer, and Anthony in Worcester. The 22-year-old made his debut on Tuesday night, penciled into the No. 3 spot and at shortstop, and quickly made his presence felt against the Norfolk Tides.
The Georgia Tech alum singled in his first at-bat, driving an 89.6-mph sinker from Bruce Zimmerman into center field. His first Triple-A single scored Roman Anthony, who singled in his first at-bat of the game.
Following a four-pitch at-bat in the top of the fourth inning, Campbell singled a soft line drive into right field, scoring Jamie Westbrook and Anthony.
In all, Campbell went 2-for-5 with three RBI while also striking out twice.
Campbell has been a standout performer all season long, including slashing .362/.463/.582 with 17 doubles, eight homers, and 35 RBI. His offensive output is undeniable, and the fast-rising prospect is already showcasing his bat for the WooSox. He also offers tremendous versatility, playing shortstop in his debut. Campbell has also seen time at second base and center field this season with the Sea Dogs and the Drive.
What does he like the most about his defensive side of the game?
“It has to be my versatility,” Campbell said to Beyond the Monster back in July. “I feel very comfortable at every position on the field. 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.
