Red Sox’s Deadline Clears Way For Rookie To Make Late-Season Impact

The Boston Red Sox didn’t acquire any hitters right before MLB’s trade deadline. A recent turnaround could have altered their approach.

Despite moving Rafael Devers earlier this year, offense wasn’t a major priority for a deep Red Sox lineup that’s registered MLB’s third-best OPS (.799) over the last 30 days. If Boston decided to upgrade anywhere, it presumably would have been first base.

The Red Sox missed out on Josh Naylor and Ryan O’Hearn, and other rumored options like Yandy Díaz stayed put beyond Thursday’s deadline. However, Boston could soon deploy a new first baseman anyway.

Kristian Campbell is heating up at Triple-A Worcester, batting 16-for-38 with seven walks and three home runs during an ongoing 10-game hitting streak. The 23-year-old rookie is starting regularly at first base after playing second base at Boston.

Campbell began his MLB career with a bang, hitting .301/.407/.495 through April. The premier prospect looked like an early American League Rookie of the Year favorite, but he hit .159/.243/.222 over his subsequent 140 plate appearances before a mid-June demotion.

Those woes persisted in the minors. Although Campbell didn’t homer until his 16th game with the WooSox, he’s now reminding everyone of his immense upside.

The Red Sox have struggled at second base since sending Campbell down, but he’s unlikely to return at the keystone position, where he recorded minus-14 defensive runs saved. Boston didn’t move any of its outfield surplus, so Ceddanne Rafaela will likely keep seeing time at second base.

On the other hand, Campbell may have a golden opportunity to seize a starting role at first. Abraham Toro initially replaced Triston Casas with aplomb, but the 28-year-old stumbled to a .574 OPS in July.

Calling up Campbell could ignite Boston’s offense during a playoff push while giving valuable experience to a future cornerstone.