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Alex Cora Makes Kristian Campbell Decision Amid Red Sox's Uncertainties

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 4:30 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox activated first baseman Romy Gonzalez, allowing the team to hold off on the idea of playing Kristian Campbell at first base.

Campbell, a second baseman, has faced struggles as a rookie. The Red Sox asking him to play first base with everything already going on would be a bit questionable, but he stated earlier in the year that he's willing to do whatever it takes to help the Red Sox win.

Despite that, the Red Sox plan is for him to now play second base full time, and while he'll still take grounders at first, the team isn't planning on exploring that option at the moment.

“He’ll still take grounders here and there, but it’s nothing we’re planning on doing now,” Alex Cora said, per the Boston Globe.

The Red Sox find themselves in a strange position regarding their infield.

They have multiple players who could potentially play first base, but some of them don't want to, notably, Rafael Devers.

Asking a 22-year-old Campbell to pick up that role might be something the team explores down the road, but for now, taking him out of second base shouldn't be the plan.

When factoring in how poorly the Red Sox have played to start the year, it makes even more sense to keep him where he is. This team is only going to find success in the future if its young talents find their way at the big league level.

Campbell is among the many players who have to figure things out. There have been signs throughout the early stages of his career that he will.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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