Kristian Campbell Opens Up on Red Sox Demotion: “It Feels Like Redshirting Again”
The Boston Red Sox’s 2025 season has already been filled with twists, and few have been more surprising than the rollercoaster ride of utility man Kristian Campbell.
After an impressive Spring Training, Boston skipped the usual development path and kept Campbell on the big-league roster rather than shifting Alex Bregman to second. The gamble looked brilliant at first — Campbell fit right in, showed poise, and even locked down a long-term extension. But the honeymoon didn’t last. Struggles at the plate mounted, and by June, the Red Sox sent him down to Triple-A Worcester.
Now, months later, Campbell is still in the minors despite Boston battling needs all over the diamond. Speaking to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the 24-year-old finally broke his silence.
“I’m still proud of myself with the way I handled everything this year,” Campbell said. “It’s been a minute since I’ve struggled. The last time was probably college, when I got redshirted my freshman year. I kind of feel the same way as that. Redshirting again, to be honest.”
Campbell admitted he’s learned more about the struggles players face behind the scenes:
“You only ever hear the great parts of people’s careers. I never knew Mike Trout got optioned. I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me that.”
The conversation around Boston is clear: why hasn’t Campbell been called back up yet? When he’s hot, he’s proven he can ignite this offense. But the front office seems intent on seeing more growth before bringing him back to Fenway.
With the Red Sox entering the final stretch of the season, the question lingers: is it time to give Campbell another shot?
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