Red Sox' plans for Kristian Campbell call for outfield work throughout spring training

Campbell's best position is as a hitter, but he will receive additional individualized infield instruction as well.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox plan to have outfielder Kristian Campbell focus on playing in the outfield during spring training, with additional individualized infield instruction, as they try to help him reestablish himself as a hitter. Manager Alex Cora said Campbell's offense is his best tool, and the team wants to find ways to get his bat in the lineup, even if his primary position is not set.

Why it matters

Campbell made the Red Sox roster last year primarily due to his hitting ability, but then struggled at the plate. The team is hoping that by working with him on his versatility in the field, they can help him regain his offensive form and find a way to get his bat in the lineup, even if he doesn't have a clear starting position.

The details

In addition to playing in the outfield at the Red Sox' spring training facility in Florida, Campbell will receive individualized infield instruction from the coaching staff. Cora said the team can't forget about Campbell's infield abilities, as they never know what could happen during the season. However, the main focus will be on getting Campbell's bat going again, as that was the reason he made the team last year before struggling.

  • Campbell made the Red Sox roster last year.

The players

Kristian Campbell

An outfielder in the Boston Red Sox organization who made the team's roster last year primarily due to his hitting ability, but then struggled at the plate.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“If we get this [his bat] back, we can find at-bats. That's his tool, offense.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager (bostonglobe.com)

“He's going to play mostly outfield, but we cannot forget about the infield part of it, because you never know what can happen. All his work will be in the outfield. Individual work will be with [Flores] whenever. That's what we do. And it's not going to be in a group setting. It's one-on-one, attention to detail, and see how it looks.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager (bostonglobe.com)

“That's the most important thing. Last year, he made the team because we thought he was gonna hit. He hit for a little bit, and then he struggled, and he knows it, and now it's just a matter of hopefully the adjustments he made and the suggestions that we gave him can translate in between the lines. In the cage, in [batting practice], it looks great. Now, we have to do it in the game.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager (bostonglobe.com)

The takeaway

The Red Sox are focused on helping Kristian Campbell, who made the team last year primarily due to his hitting ability, regain his offensive form. By working with him on his versatility in the field, the team hopes to find ways to get Campbell's bat in the lineup, even if he doesn't have a clear starting position.