Red Sox Could Have Stunning New First Baseman In The Works

May 17, 2025

Red Sox manager Alex Cora wants to see if Kristian Campbell can become an option to take over at 1B

The Boston Red Sox have a first base problem on their hands. First, Triston Casas suffered an ugly season-ending injury, then Rafael Devers refused the team's request to move to first to cover for him. Romy Gonzalez was called on, but he went on the 10-day IL earlier this week due to a left quad contusion.

Now what? 

Eric Sogard, 38, a middle infielder by trade, who had never played a game at first in the majors before—and hadn't played an inning in the big leagues since 2021—has been mainly filling in since then. Abraham Toro, who was also in Triple-A, has also played a few games there this past week. 

But it sounds like the Red Sox could have a stunning new first baseman in the works: Rookie second baseman Kristian Campbell. 

As reported by Chris Cotillo of MassLive:

Campbell took part in drills at first base both on the diamond and at a simulated base down the right-field line Friday afternoon... 

The Red Sox intend to see if their versatile rookie can become a potential option to take over at the position.

Could Kristian Campbell be the Red Sox new first baseman? 

“The process started,” manager Alex Cora added. “It can take 10 days, 15 days, a month, two months, but we started the process. We’re introducing (Campbell) to first base.” 

"Me and A.C. talked about it,“ Campbell said. ”Got to learn the position, obviously. It’s gonna take some time. But it’s something I’m willing to do to help the team.

"“I’ve never played over there before. Not sure exactly what the plans are. It’s something I definitely have to get used to.”

Campbell started off his rookie year in the bigs on fire, batting .301 through the end of April with a .902 OPS. He's struggled at the plate since then, with just four hits in his last 11 games, and has seen his average drop to .240. 

But the 22-year-old, who was the No. 4 overall prospect coming into the season, per Baseball America, has shown his versatility by playing a handful of games in center field and left field as well as 34 games at second base. 

As Cotillo says, however, "Campbell looks like the best long-term option" at first base for the BoSox this season. 

 

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