Just when it seemed the Red Sox had finally put their first base drama to rest with Nick Sogard settling into the role, the plot has taken another twist. What started as a scramble to fill the void left by Triston Casas’ season-ending patella injury has become an experimental epicenter. First, it was Romy Gonzalez. Then came Abraham Toro. And then, Sogard brought a moment of calm, but only briefly.
Now, again, a new name is stepping into the spotlight. Kristian Campbell. Yes, the saga at first seems to be far from over. You may just be entering its most intriguing chapter yet.
“Looking for options,” the Red Sox manager, Alex Cora, said. “Just introducing him to first base and see how he looks. That’s where we’re at.”
The $60 million star is primarily a second baseman who has also seen time in the outfield this season. But recently, he took part in an extensive pregame workout at first base with infield coach Jose Flores ahead of Friday night’s game against the Braves. So, for the Red Sox, it seems like they have a limited first base depth at the upper levels of the farm system.
Moreover, with the trade options scarce this early in the season, the team may need to get creative. Campbell, too, who has played every position in the Minors except pitcher, catcher, and first base, is eager to take on a new challenge. Well, he’s doing it for all the right reasons. 5 HRs and 15 RBIs at a .246 BA is not a bad figure to start with at first base.
Well, that’s not all…
Shifting Campbell to first base would also open up second base, prompting some intriguing roster decisions. It sparks the consideration of calling up top prospect Marcelo Mayer from Triple-A Worcester. He played the position for Boston during spring training and also started 5 games at 2B in the minors. Probably, it’s time for his big league debut.
Mayer, the No. 4 pick in the 2021 Draft, is putting together a solid season at Worcester. For starters, he’s hitting .274 with 8 HRs and 39 RBIs. MLB Pipeline ranks him as the No. 8 prospect in all of baseball. So yes, the buzz is real.
But for now, it’s time to see how Campbell is settling at first base. At least till the time Gonzalez is making a comeback. And all of these guarantee one thing: Rafael Devers is not moving away from DH anytime soon.
The Red Sox-Devers 1B saga ended
While the 1B saga is yet to be ended for the Red Sox, they have at least made a truce with Rafael Devers.
Devers, who has long anchored the hot corner, was shifted to DH early this year, a move he reportedly resisted. Now, with Triston Casas sidelined, the team was asking Devers to fill in at first base. Well, this time he was stern about not moving again. And with the introduction of Campbell, it seems like Devers will continue as a DH only.
Keeping Devers in the designated hitter spot is the smart move for the Red Sox right now. Because his bat remains one of the most dangerous in the lineup. Plus, his defensive struggles at third base have been well-documented and, at times, have even cost the team. So, by moving him to DH, the Red Sox preserve his offensive production while improving their infield defense.
It also helps protect Devers from wear and tear, potentially keeping him healthier and more consistent at the plate over the long season.
And with one change involving Campbell, the Red Sox might have opened the Pandora’s box they were searching for since Casas’ injury.
The post Red Sox Eyeing $60M Fix for Rafael Devers 1B Drama That Will Open Roster Spot for Highly-Rated Prospect appeared first on EssentiallySports.