The Boston Red Sox are in need of a first baseman and seem to be looking internally before hitting the trade market. With Rafael Devers out of the running, they are looking at Kristian Campbell.
After Triston Casas’ injury, Nick Sogard and Abraham Toro have been spending time at first base. The team has noted that many options are on the table for the future of the first base position, and one is starting to come to light. Kristian Campbell was doing first base drills at Fenway Park today before the Red Sox take on the Atlanta Braves, according to MLB.com’s Ian Browne.
Campbell signed an eight-year, $60 million contract extension this season. The 22-year-old has a .746 OPS and five home runs this season at second base. He has already shown some defensive versatility by playing in the outfield, but he has never played first base in his career. He was seen doing drills with Red Sox infield instructor Jose Flores.
Since first base is a completely new spot for Campbell, they would not put him out there without extensive work and drills. However, the move could solve more problems than one for the team. It could create room for the team’s No.2 prospect Marcelo Mayer. Mayer is MLB Pipeline’s No.8 prospect.
Mayer is a shortstop, but with Trevor Story in Boston, he does not have a clear path to the big leagues. However, he can play second base and has made five appearances there this season. Moving Campbell to first base would give the team a way to get Mayer called up. Mayer is slashing .274/.341/.486 with eight home runs in Triple-A this season.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
The Red Sox may not actually move Campbell to first base. However, the fact that he is doing drills there indicates that they have decided to at least give it a shot. Campbell would be an offensive upgrade over what Casas was giving the team from that spot when he was healthy.
More MLB: Red Sox predicted to cut ties with Rafael Devers in blockbuster trade with Yankees
