Why Kristian Campbell Extension Finally Fills Endless Red Sox Hole

The Boston Red Sox have longed for a permanent second baseman since the end of Dustin Pedroia’s days as a starter.

Brock Holt. Ian Kinsler. Michael Chavis. Jose Peraza. Christian Arroyo. Vaughn Grissom. Enmanuel Valdez. That’s not even the full list, but you get the point.

It’s been a revolving door at the position for years for the Red Sox, almost a decade in reality. There’s been larger issues during the struggles in that time for Boston, but it’s been an issue for far too long.

Now, the Red Sox finally get to secure the position with Wednesday’s extension for Campbell for eight years with a pair of club options that can push the deal to 10 years at just around $100 million. He’s only played a week in the big leagues, but Boston knows how important Campbell is for the future. He’s already been a rare spark in the struggling lineup to start the season. His defense and athleticism keep him ready in the field. Campbell is the real deal and the Red Sox got tremendous value in the extension.

Campbell wasted no time staying on schedule after the extension with a double in his first at-bat Wednesday night.

After years of what felt like a bottomless hole at this spot in the field, Campbell finally brings the solution to the Red Sox for the long-term future.