Red Sox Might Have Internal Option to Solve First Base Question

Plenty of trade chatter has already transpired around the Red Sox after the Rafael Devers deal sent their best hitter to the Giants. The question Craig Breslow now faces is clear: How will he compensate for the loss of Devers? Perhaps he doesn’t truly plan to.

If all goes well in Triple-A, a familiar face may be getting the call. In a new development, the Triple-A WooSox are giving Kristian Campbell a shot at playing first base. Campbell started the year on a tear, but before being sent down and $60 million later, Campbell was hitting .223/.319/.345 with six home runs. His defense at both second base and in the outfield was also abysmal.

According to Mass Live’s Christopher Smith, Campbell had been taking reps at first base shortly after Triston Casas was lost for the season. However, this is his first start at the position during an actual game. Rather than trade for an experienced first baseman, manager Alex Cora expects Campbell to fill in at first. 

“To be able to play the position, that will be important,” he said to reporters. “Obviously, with time, we’re going to have to make some decisions with the roster. Him playing first base is going to help us. The fact that he’s going to be able to play it is great.”