Kristian Campbell could solve Red Sox’ black hole at second base

Kristian Campbell could soon provide a remedy to the Red Sox’ struggles at second base.

Or at least that’s what the Sox and Campbell hope.

Campbell was named the Red Sox’ Minor League Offensive Player of the Year hitting .330/.439/.558 with 20 homers and 24 steals in 115 games combined at High A Greenville, Double A Portland, and Triple A Worcester. The top prospect was one of the seven minor Sox minor leaguers on hand to receive his award prior to the parent club’s series opening 2-1 loss to the Rays Friday.

“I think it was definitely more than what I expected coming into the season,” said Campbell on his season, particularly the home run power. “Because I’ve never really hit home runs before in the past. But hitting 20 this year, if you asked me before the season if I would have hit 20, no way I would have done that. But it’s the work I put in [along with the development team] that had me prepared for that. So, I’m not really surprised, but the work that I put in definitely showed.”

The Sox selected Campbell in the fourth round of the 2023 draft as the compensation pick for Xander Bogaerts, who signed with the Padres in December 2022.

He carried a line-drive approach at the plate with an unorthodox swing, but the Red Sox — then under former chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom — were confident that their hitting program could unlock more thump in Campbell’s bat with a focus of getting the ball in the air.

That proved undeniably true in Campbell’s first full year in the minors.

“He added really good weight, he added bat speed,” said Brian Abraham, the Sox’ director of player development. “He made a bunch of adjustments with his swing, but I think the work and the production, I think, was incredible to see, and probably unmatched, quite frankly, within Minor League Baseball this year. So it’s really good to see the success.”

In addition to Campbell’s organizational award, Baseball America crowned him with the Minor League Player of the Year award, further highlighting what a stellar year it has been for the 22-year-old.

Beyond his performance at second, Campbell has demonstrated versatility across the infield and can manage the outfield, too, increasing his value at the big league level when he eventually arrives.

“I played everywhere pretty well,” said Campbell. I could play the [corner outfield positions], too, and a little bit of third base. I feel pretty comfortable everywhere. I’m primarily a middle infielder and I’ve felt very comfortable at second the last couple years.”

Injured Kenley Jansen not with team

With three Sox games still remaining prior to Friday, Kenley Jansen’s locker did not have his nameplate ahead of the team’s series opener against the Rays.

Jansen has dealt with shoulder issues during much of September and was placed on the injured list Monday with inflammation in that area.

Manager Alex Cora said that the closer was no longer in Boston.

“He went home,” said Cora Friday afternoon. “I talked to him this week and as soon as it was over a few days ago and he wasn’t going to pitch, [he went home]. There’s other stuff that we talked about. There’s other stuff going on.”

Kenley Jansen has thrown his last pitch for the Sox this season, and possibly ever.Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Jansen is a free agent at the end of the season. In his two years with the Sox, the closer collected 56 saves to go along with a 3.44 ERA and 1.158 WHIP.

Jansen has been open the last two seasons regarding the team’s direction which includes missing the postseason five times in the last six years.

Prospects recognized

In addition to Campbell, the Red Sox recognized the following players before Friday’s 2-1 loss to the Rays: OF Nelly Taylor (Defensive Player of the Year), RHP Hunter Dobbins (Starting Pitcher of the Year), RHP Chase Shugart (Relief Pitcher of the Year), INF Franklin Arias (Baserunner of the Year), 1B/OF Justin Gonzales (Latin Program Position Player of the Year), and RHP Yermain Ruiz (Latin Program Pitcher of the Year) . . . Pam Kenn, former Red Sox vice president of community and media relations, delivered the ceremonial first pitch. Kenn had been with the Sox for the last quarter century . . . The Red Sox’ starter for Sunday is still to be determined. Tanner Houck and Brayan Bello are no longer in the mix.