Boston Red Sox rookie second baseman Kristian Campbell is under pressure for being a liability on defense this season.
In the recent 10-7 win over the Yankees, Campbell made a defensive error, misjudging and going the wrong way on a ground ball that helped the Yankees close the gap from 8-3 to 8-5.
MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal argued in his column for The Athletic that Campbell should be sent to Triple-A to fix his defensive issues as a swap for top prospect Roman Anthony, who should instead make his way to the Major League before it’s too late.
How Roman Anthony Could Improve Red Sox in a Kristian Campbell Swap
Anthony slammed a 497-foot grand slam on Saturday night, June 7, with a 115.6 mph exit velocity. The 21-year-old is currently hitting at 0.290 and 0.916 OPS with 10 homers in Triple-A.
He is considered to be a strong defender in all three outfield positions, and his addition could boost the Red Sox’s defense. His batting needs no mention. It’s argued that his addition would not only boost the team’s offense but also its defense, which is struggling this season.
497-FOOT GRAND SLAM FOR ROMAN ANTHONY ‼️@RedSox | @WooSox | @RedSoxPlayerDev pic.twitter.com/kX6FcM8Afl
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 8, 2025
Rosenthal believes the Red Sox could line up with a better defensive setup of Anthony in left field, Jarren Duran in center, and Wilyer Abreu in right field. Additionally, he argued Ceddanne Rafaela or David Hamilton could be an upgrade over Campbell at second base.
Apart from his defensive issues, Campbell has struggled with hitting form recently, with a 0.129 batting average and 0.361 OPS in his last 25 games before he faced off against the Yankees. A demotion and work on defense in Triple-A could work out well for the 22-year-old outfielder, while Anthony could showcase his potential in the big leagues.
What’s Next for the Boston Red Sox?
The Red Sox are 9.5 games behind in the AL East with a 31-35 record and are four games out of a Wild Card spot. Their defensive efficiency is one of the worst in the league, and they are ranked in the bottom third at the 20th spot for ERAs.
Moreover, Campbell has struggled mightily at second base and is also one of the worst defensive players in the league. Statcast rates him at two runs below average and places him six runs below par in Defensive Runs Saved, at the position.
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Meanwhile, it is unclear why the Red Sox are delaying Anthony’s promotion — there are speculations that it could be to manage his service time to avoid his Super Two arbitration eligibility. This would mean he could get four years of arbitration instead of three, which could significantly increase his earnings but also impact the team’s payroll.
However, despite similar risks, the team did not hesitate to promote Marcelo Mayer on May 24 while also offering Campbell a long-term extension. The Red Sox are clearly willing to invest in their young talent.
If the Red Sox are serious about making a run, the answer is simple: bring up Anthony and let the talent speak for itself. He has not only been impressive in Triple-A but also fits perfectly with the team’s current needs.