Red Sox Top Prospect Likely to Start Season in Minors

Kristian Campbell may not break camp with the big league club despite his potential.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Despite being one of the Boston Red Sox's top young players, 23-year-old Kristian Campbell could begin the 2026 season in the minor leagues, according to reports. The Red Sox have added several infielders in the offseason, creating a crowded roster and limited playing time for Campbell, who struggled at the plate and in the field during parts of the 2025 season after earning an eight-year, $60 million contract extension.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season, and their decisions around top prospect Kristian Campbell will be an important factor in their success. Campbell's development is crucial for the team's long-term future, so starting him in the minors could be a strategic move to help him regain his footing.

The details

Campbell made the Red Sox's 2025 Opening Day roster after surging through the minor leagues, but he struggled mightily at the plate and in the field after signing his lucrative extension. The Red Sox have since added several infielders, including Caleb Durbin and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, creating a crowded roster and limited playing time for Campbell, who will likely focus on playing the outfield this spring.

  • Campbell made the Red Sox's 2025 Opening Day roster.
  • In May and June 2025, Campbell was sent down to the minor leagues after struggling.

The players

Kristian Campbell

A 23-year-old top prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization who struggled during parts of the 2025 season after earning an eight-year, $60 million contract extension.

Alex Bregman

A former infielder for the Boston Red Sox who left the team in free agency this offseason.

Sonny Gray

A pitcher the Red Sox acquired in the offseason to bolster their roster.

Ranger Suárez

A pitcher the Red Sox acquired in the offseason to bolster their roster.

Willson Contreras

A player the Red Sox acquired in the offseason to add depth to their infield.

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What they’re saying

“Campbell, a former top prospect, made the 2025 Opening Day roster after surging through the minor-league ranks. The 23-year-old got off to a hot start with the MLB club and earned an eight-year, $60 million contract extension. Two months later, he was sent back down to Triple-A after struggling mightily at the plate and at second base.”

— Justin Leger, NBC Sports Boston reporter (NBC Sports Boston)

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to evaluate Kristian Campbell's progress during spring training, and a decision will be made on whether he breaks camp with the big league club or starts the season in the minors.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's handling of top prospect Kristian Campbell will be a key storyline to watch this spring, as the team tries to balance his development with their need to field a competitive roster in 2026. Campbell's future remains bright, but he may need more time in the minors to regain his footing after a difficult 2025 season.