Red Sox Prospect ‘Excited’ For Chance To Take Next Step With Team

With only four Spring Training games remaining, the Boston Red Sox still need to decide who will line up between Triston Casas and Trevor Story at second base on Opening Day.

After Boston optioned Vaughn Grissom to minor league camp on Wednesday, the Red Sox still have David Hamilton, Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell vying for coveted infield position.

Whether Campbell starts the season in Boston or in Triple-A Worcester, he’s thankful for the opportunity he’s had this spring.

“I’m excited. I’m excited for everything,” Campbell said Thursday, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “I’m excited for the season to start. I’m excited for everything that’s going to happen. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve just got to stay focused on playing right now, staying healthy, and getting my reps in so I’ll be ready for the season.

“Everybody has to go through it. This is my first time going through it. I don’t really know what to expect. It’s my first time. I’m gonna be excited either way. It’s been a great camp, learning a lot. I’m happy with all the opportunities I’ve been blessed with throughout this whole camp. And I’m really just looking forward to the season, believe it or not. I’m really just taking it one day at a time because I don’t know. I’m not sure what the whole process is gonna look like.”

Regardless of where he might fit in the organization, Campbell has enjoyed his first major league camp.

“It’s been great so far,” Campbell said, per Cotillo. “I’ve been learning a lot. From all the coaches and the staff and from other players in this locker room. I’ve just been soaking it all in and going with it day by day.”

Heading into Thursday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins, Campbell has posted a .158 AVG, going 6-for-38 in 45 plate appearances, with two doubles and 15 strikeouts across 16 Grapefruit League games.

“I don’t really get worried about it. Baseball is a tough game, but it’s spring training,” Campbell said. “That’s what it’s for. Obviously, I try my best every day. Just getting my feet under me, getting used to the people around me. Just working on things when I can and just staying confident was key. So even though the beginning was rough, trying to find grounding and getting better as camp ends is important.”