Red Sox positional preview: Bregman, Campbell bolster the middle infield originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Infield defense was among the Boston Red Sox’ most glaring issues throughout the 2024 season. That should change in 2025.
The addition of Gold Glover Alex Bregman gives Boston a massive boost regardless of whether he’s at third base or second. At third, his defense is night and day compared to Rafael Devers, who has led all players at his position in errors for each of the last seven seasons. At second, he’d stabilize a position that was a revolving door for the Red Sox last year.
Much of the Red Sox infield’s success will again hinge on the health of veteran shortstop Trevor Story. The two-time All-Star hasn’t played in more than 100 games in a season since signing with Boston in 2022. His above-average glove and right-handed bat will be much needed in 2025.
This season, we should also see youngsters Kristian Campbell and Vaughn Grissom compete for a consistent role on the roster. Both were expected to compete for the starting second baseman job in spring training before Bregman signed his three-year contract.
So, how does the full Red Sox middle-infield picture look for 2025? Here’s the scoop on each player expected to spend time at second base or shortstop with Boston this season.
Kristian Campbell, 2B/OF
2024 stats: .330/.439/.558, 20 HR, 77 RBI (115 games between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A)
Age: 22
Contract status: Minor-league contract.
Outlook for 2025: Campbell went from being virtually unknown to the hottest prospect in baseball during the 2024 campaign. Selected in the 2023 draft with the compensatory pick the Red Sox received when Xander Bogaerts signed with the San Diego Padres, he surged from High-A Greenville to Triple-A Worcester and earned the 2024 Minor League Player of the Year award.
Campbell raked at every minor-league level, leading many to believe he’ll quickly adjust to big-league pitching in 2025. He was expected to battle fellow youngster Vaughn Grissom in spring training for Boston’s starting second baseman job until the Bregman signing complicated his fit on the roster.
Despite the unclear path to becoming the everyday second baseman, Campbell should still make an impact with the big-league club this season. He can move to left field if the Red Sox believe they’re best suited with his right-handed pop in the lineup.
Alex Bregman, 3B/2B
2024 stats: .260/.315/.453, 26 HR, 75 RBI (145 games with Houston…