Kristian Campbell explains decision to sign long-term deal with Sox

Red Sox

“As soon as I got drafted, they’ve been working with me every day.”

Few baseball prospects have seen their stock soar as high as Kristian Cambell has over the last few years.

The 2023 fourth-round pick out of Georgia Tech was viewed as a potential utility infielder entering the 2024 season, with his expected arrival to the big leagues still years away.

But just a year removed from opening the 2024 campaign in High-A ball, Campbell broke camp with Boston out of spring training — earning a spot in the Red Sox’s Opening Day lineup as the team’s starting second baseman.

Less than a week later, Campbell put pen to paper on an eight-year, $60 million contract extension with Boston, securing a deal that could extend to 10 years and $96 million, even with just five games played with Boston at that point. 

It’s been a whirlwind for the 22-year-old infielder — but a welcome development at this early stage of his career. 

“It definitely is crazy,” Campbell said on Wednesday about his new deal. “It is fast … but it’s a good thing. My family’s super excited. I’m super excited to be here. And like I said, they developed me. They turned me into what it is. They put their trust in me and developed me and helped me become a great player. And yeah, so as long as I continue to work hard, everything should be fine.”

While Campbell could have secured an even larger contract if he continued to tee off against big-league pitching for the next couple of seasons, he stressed that he wanted to stick with the franchise that helped develop him into one of the top prospects in baseball. 

“They developed me from day one,” Campbell said. “As soon as I got drafted, they’ve been working with me every day. I’ve learned something new every day. They’ve helped me become the player I am today. So it means a lot to me that I’m with the Red Sox for a long time.”

Boston’s investment in Campbell — be it their focus on drawing more power out of his swing in the minors, or their subsequent commitment via this new contract — already seems to be paying off. 

Campbell was again a force at the plate in Thursday’s 8-4 win over the Orioles, going 2-for-4 at the plate with his second home run of the season. 

So far, Campbell has lived up to the hype, batting .417 with 10 hits, four doubles, two home runs, and four RBI over seven games. 

According to former Red Sox staffer J.P. Long, Campbell is the only Red Sox player ever to reach base at least 14 times and record at least 6 extra-base hits in his first 7 MLB games.

With Campbell now signed for the long haul, Boston has a potential franchise cornerstone in place as part of its anticipated next wave of young talent. 

The poised slugger will look to carry his early-season success over to Fenway Park on Friday. He’s looking forward to the reception he’ll receive in his new home ballpark. 

“It’s a great place to be — in front of a winning city, winning culture, winning people,” Campbell said. “And I’m definitely fortunate. I’m looking forward to being in Boston.”

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.

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