If you want to know how much the Red Sox believe in Kristian Campbell, just look at the roster behind the roster during his winter ball stint in Puerto Rico. The 14-game run with the Caguas Criollos wasn’t just a chance for Campbell to get some offseason reps - it was a full-on organizational investment in one of their most intriguing young talents.
Campbell, who earned Minor League Player of the Year honors in 2024, is clearly a player the Sox see as part of their future. And they’re not leaving his development to chance.
Start with the setting: Campbell suited up for the Criollos, a team loaded with Red Sox connections. That’s no coincidence.
Caguas is the hometown of Boston manager Alex Cora, whose soon-to-be brother-in-law, Jesús Feliciano, just happens to be the team’s general manager. Ramón Vázquez, Boston’s bench coach, managed the Criollos.
And first base coach José Flores - who’s been in Campbell’s corner both in Triple-A Worcester and during his time in the big leagues - was also part of the staff.
That’s a lot of familiar faces in one dugout, and it’s by design. The Red Sox didn’t just want Campbell to get at-bats - they wanted him in an environment where they could keep a close eye on his progress, reinforce key developmental goals, and surround him with coaches who know his game inside and out.
And the support didn’t stop there. Hitting coach Pete Fatse was hands-on from the jump, spending a week with Campbell in Fort Myers to prep for the assignment, then another week in Puerto Rico once games were underway.
Assistant hitting coach John Soteropulos - who’s worked with Campbell in the minors over the last three years - made the trip as well. So did Kyle Hudson, Boston’s third base and outfield coach.
That’s a lot of firepower focused on one player’s offseason work. But when you’re talking about a guy with Campbell’s upside - a blend of athleticism, plate discipline, and defensive versatility - it makes sense.
The Red Sox aren’t just hoping he figures it out. They’re actively helping him do it.
This kind of organizational attention isn’t typical for a player who’s still on the fringe of the big-league roster. But Campbell’s not your typical prospect.
After a standout 2024 in the minors, the Sox clearly see him as someone who can contribute at the big-league level - and soon. His brief taste of the majors in 2025 gave him a glimpse of what’s ahead.
Now, the club is doing everything it can to make sure he’s ready when the opportunity comes again.
Winter ball in Puerto Rico might not grab national headlines, but for the Red Sox, it was a key step in a larger plan. They’re not just developing a player. They’re building a foundation for what they hope will be a long-term contributor in Boston - and they’re doing it with intention, structure, and a whole lot of support.