Why Red Sox Coach Believes Kristian Campbell Holds Defensive Advantage 

BOSTON — Kristian Campbell skyrocketed to stardom in the Boston Red Sox farm system when he jumped three levels during the 2024 season.

Where exactly Campbell will play when he makes his MLB debut is yet to be seen. He could compete with Vaughn Grissom at second base or has the athleticism to play solid defense in the outfield.

Red Sox third base coach and outfield coordinator Kyle Hudson raved about what Campbell and fellow prospect Roman Anthony can bring to the ballclub in 2025. For Campbell specifically, Hudson wants the 2023 fourth-rounder to play into the athletic versatility that Boston invested in.

“It’s funny, I just had a conversation with Kristian,” Hudson told NESN.com during “Fenway Fest” Saturday. “The less reps he’s had in the outfield compared to the infield. I told him it’s an advantage to go from the infield to the outfield. When you see (Ceddanne) Rafaela, Rafaela’s an infielder that moved to the outfield but still has his infielder actions. Cut the ball off, backhand, get the ball in the air quickly.”

Hudson continued: “I actually just had that conversation with Kristian. Don’t try to become an outfielder. You obviously have to have an understanding of the situations and stuff like that. But don’t get away from the infielder instincts because some of the better guys I’ve ever had kept their infielder actions. It kept their arms better and being able to cut down distance.”

Campbell did every thing he needed to last year to enter 2025 with a realistic shot to win an Opening Day roster spot in spring training for the Red Sox and hit the ground running when the season starts.