Red Sox have 2 goals to help Kristian Campbell get on track: Rest and strength

After a roller-coaster rookie year, the Red Sox plan to prioritize rest and strength training for Kristian Campbell this offseason to restore power and range. Punters might view his power-based player props and seasonal hits/extra-base odds as undervalued now, with a credible upside if added weight and strength translate into higher exit velocity and more consistent offensive production next season.

Red Sox outline offseason plan to revive Kristian Campbell after uneven rookie campaign

Kristian Campbell’s first big-league season began with a rapid ascent — he won the second base job out of spring training, signed an eight-year, $60 million deal in April and earned American League Rookie of the Month honors — but it ended with a lengthy Triple-A stint after prolonged struggles at the plate. The organization has a clear two-pronged approach for the offseason: rest and strength.

Offseason priorities: rest, strength and weight gain

The Red Sox believe a mental break followed by a focused physical plan will help Campbell rediscover the attributes that made him a top prospect. He’s expected to join the team’s Fort Myers training program for minor leaguers, where the emphasis will be on adding weight and regaining strength lost during the grind of the season. The goal: restore the power and range that allowed him to impact games both infield and outfield.

What went wrong: adjustments and lost power

Campbell hit .223 with a .664 OPS across 67 major-league games before being sent to Triple-A. In Worcester he posted a .273 average and .799 OPS in 73 games, but much of that damage came on fastballs and he wasn’t elevating the ball as he had earlier in the year. The organization views a dip in exit velocity and reduced ability to drive the ball as key contributors to his slump.

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Physical profile and swing traits

At 6-foot-3, Campbell has a naturally wiry frame. He weighed 191 pounds entering the season and, like many rookies, lost weight through the long major-league schedule. The Red Sox believe rebuilding mass and strength will help him regain the hard-contact rates and range that characterized his scouting report and spring performances.

Organizational confidence and player development path

Team officials stressed patience and a long-term view, pointing to other young players who took non-linear paths to become productive contributors. While no roster role was guaranteed, leadership expressed confidence in Campbell’s work ethic and the structured plan laid out for his offseason preparation.

Betting implications: what punters should consider

Campbell’s downturn and subsequent Triple-A numbers have likely lowered expectations in futures and player-prop markets. If the offseason program succeeds in restoring strength and exit velocity, his power-based props (extra-base hits, slugging metrics, long-term breakout futures) could offer value at current prices. Conversely, skepticism is reasonable until spring performance confirms the physical gains.

Outlook

The Red Sox are invested in Campbell’s recovery and view this offseason as a reset. Success will hinge on physical gains, consistent swing mechanics and his ability to adjust to pitchers who attacked him differently during the season. If those elements come together, Campbell could return to a role that leverages both his defensive versatility and power potential.

The Red Sox see the offseason as the perfect time for Campbell to reset and reboot after a tumultuous rookie season.

Theathleticuk