Red Sox reportedly assign Kristian Campbell to Triple-A Worcester

On Thursday afternoon, the Red Sox youth movement suffered a setback.

The Red Sox are optioning rookie Kristian Campbell to Triple-A Worcester, according to a report by ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Thursday. The 22-year-old infielder/outfielder is seeking a fresh start following a prolonged slump.

By demoting Campbell, the Red Sox are able to bring outfielder Wilyer Abreu back to the major leagues after he was placed on the injured list for a while.

However, it may also take some time for Campbell to get his game back on track in the lower levels.

With a position on Boston’s MLB team right out of spring training, the bright prospect had a strong start to the 2025 season.

Campbell was undoubtedly one of baseball’s best rookie players during the first month of play, receiving the American League Rookie of the Month award after hitting.301 with eight doubles, 12 RBIs, four home runs, and a.902 OPS in 29 games.

As an indication of his potential as a franchise mainstay, Campbell received an eight-year, $60 million agreement early in his major league career.

However, Campbell’s batting has been difficult since the beginning of May.159 with a.465 OPS, 40 strikeouts, and four extra-base hits. With the youngster making seven mistakes at second base, his defense has also slipped.

In addition to Boston perhaps starting him at first base during the Rafael Devers controversy earlier this month, Campbell has had a turbulent recent stretch.

Despite his reputation as a blue-chip talent, Campbell hasn’t had a lot of minor league experience. Campbell, who was selected by Boston in the fourth round of the 2023 draft out of Georgia Tech, has only played in 137 minor league games, including just 19 with Worcester.

David Hamilton is anticipated to get more playing time at second base now that Campbell is in Worcester, and Marcelo Mayer may also move to that position.

Since being called up, Mayer has earned the majority of his playing time at third, but once Alex Bregman is cleared from the disabled list, he will eventually move off the hot corner.