Red Sox prospect Kristian Campbell was named Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America, punctuating his meteoric rise from a fourth-round draft pick in 2023 to one of the top prospects in baseball.
Campbell, whose focus at Georgia Tech was on hitting line drives and ground balls and then using his speed, overhauled his swing and intent last offseason, embracing the notion that he could drive the ball in the air. The results were spectacular. He hit .330/.439/.558 with 20 homers and 24 steals in 115 games among High A Greenville, Double A Portland, and Triple A Worcester.
“It just kind of all clicked at one time and happened this season pretty fast,” said Campbell. “I think it caught me off guard and caught some other people off guard, but it’s been cool. It’s been happening fast, but in a good way.
“I had a pretty good season, but it’s just a start. I’ve got to try to do it all again next year and the year after that.”
After he chiefly played second base in college, Campbell proved capable of shapeshifting around the diamond, playing well at shortstop, third base, and center field, the sort of versatile profile that allows for numerous pathways to the big leagues.
Campbell’s recognition comes on the heels of Roman Anthony being named the top prospect in the sport by Baseball America earlier this month. On Tuesday, the publication revealed that Anthony will grace the cover of its annual Prospect Handbook.
Alex Speier can be reached at alex.speier@globe.com. Follow him @alexspeier.