After not trading for a first baseman at the trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox could call up one of their top prospects.
The Boston Red Sox did not make any major flashy moves at the trade deadline despite having a few clear needs.
The Red Sox needed a pitcher to round out their rotation and ended up trading for Los Angeles Dodgers starter Dustin May. They also added Steven Matz to the bullpen, but surprisingly did not make any moves to address their needs at first base.
Since Triston Casas' injury, Boston has deployed a platoon approach at first base, but NESN's Andrew Gould believes that the team's lackluster deadline could pave the way for rookie Kristian Campbell to return to the big leagues down the stretch.
"The Red Sox missed out on Josh Naylor and Ryan O’Hearn, and other rumored options like Yandy Díaz stayed put beyond Thursday’s deadline," Gould wrote. "However, Boston could soon deploy a new first baseman anyway. The 23-year-old rookie is starting regularly at first base after playing second base at Boston."
"On the other hand, Campbell may have a golden opportunity to seize a starting role at first. Abraham Toro initially replaced Triston Casas with aplomb, but the 28-year-old stumbled to a .574 OPS in July. Calling up Campbell could ignite Boston’s offense during a playoff push while giving valuable experience to a future cornerstone."
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
After a blazing hot start to his rookie campaign, Campbell went through a slump and was demoted to the minor leagues. The 23-year-old has been heating up in Triple-A Worcester recently, batting 16-for-38 with seven walks and three home runs during an ongoing 10-game hitting streak.
With Toro not playing that well recently, Campbell could give the Red Sox another solid option at first base down the stretch. One thing is sure: Campbell will likely see time back in the big leagues soon.
More MLB: Red Sox were reportedly unwilling to trade outfielders at deadline
Category: Baseball
