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Alex Cora Reveals New Timeline for Kristian Campbell Playing First Base for Red Sox

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated May 20, 2025 7:16 PM ET

How long can the Boston Red Sox rely on Romy González and Nick Sogard as their first basemen?

With Triston Casas out for the season after undergoing knee surgery, the Red Sox had hoped that Rafael Devers could man the three. He was unwilling.

González, despite a trip to the 10-day injured list, has been solid (.308 batting average, .785 OPS, 121 OPS+ over 52 at-bats), and Sogard feels better off as a bench piece.

This grim situation at first has forced Boston’s hand and now has its starting second baseman, rookie Kristian Campbell, taking practice reps at first base. Despite his incredible athleticism and team-first mentality, it might be a while until the Red Sox see Campbell there regularly.

Here is the latest from manager Alex Cora via Chris Cotillo of Mass Live:

Said on a scale from 0-10, there's about a "2.5" or "3" on the way there.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) May 20, 2025

Regardless of when (or if) Campbell becomes the team’s first baseman, it is an encouraging sign that even after signing his eight-year extension, he wants to help the team in any way possible.

As a primary middle infielder and outfielder, Campbell has never played first base professionally.

The other interesting element of this story is Marcelo Mayer. Mayer has been playing more and more second base for Triple-A Worcester, a potential sign that Boston’s second baseman, Campbell, could be out of that spot with a move to first.

There are a lot of moving pieces, and heavy expectations for rookies, but Mayer could very well be the next domino to fall in the Big Three prospects’ journey (when will No. 1-ranked Roman Anthony make his debut?).

For now, the spotlight remains on Campbell and his development at first base.

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

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