Campbell named MiLB Hitter, Breakout Player of the Year
Kristian Campbell flew under the radar for so long. Campbell was one of the better position players in Georgia's 2021 high school class, but questions about his power dissuaded pro teams from trying to sign him. At Georgia Tech, the coaching staff believed he'd be better off redshirting than playing
Kristian Campbell flew under the radar for so long.
Campbell was one of the better position players in Georgia's 2021 high school class, but questions about his power dissuaded pro teams from trying to sign him. At Georgia Tech, the coaching staff believed he'd be better off redshirting than playing in his first year. Even after he batted .376/.484/.549 as a redshirt freshman in 2023, he didn't really tap into his pop or speed and lasted 132 picks until the Red Sox drafted him in the supplemental fourth round.
Even after slashing .309/.440/.471 in his 22-game pro debut, Campbell didn't crack anyone's preseason Red Sox prospect lists.
But Campbell is anonymous no longer. After a stunning first full pro season, he won MLB Pipeline Hitting Prospect of the Year and MiLB Breakout Player of the Year honors during the second annual MiLB Awards Show on Monday evening. Currently ranked No. 74 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list, he'll jump much closer to the top of the list when we update the rankings later this week.
Campbell hit a combined .330/.439/.558 with 20 homers and 24 steals in 115 games between three levels this season. He led the Minors in wRC+ (180) while finishing second in on-base percentage and OPS (.997), fourth in batting and fifth in runs (94). He also won the Double-A Eastern League's MVP award.
In his lone college season, Campbell had no difficulty making contact but homered just four times in 45 games because he hit mostly ground balls and line drives. So the Red Sox asked him to change the path of his right-handed swing to launch more balls in the air. They gave him a program to help him add strength and bat speed.
And Campbell suddenly became one of the best hitting prospects in baseball. Fellow star Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony told Christopher Smith of MassLive: "We call him Barry Bonds just because of how good of a hitter he is."
"My bat path was very narrow in college, and in the past I was a big ground-ball hitter, line-drive hitter," Campbell said. "I'm trying to get my bat path right, trying to get some more doubles, more home runs, hit the ball in the air and hard consistently. That's been my main focus this whole year."
Lots of organizations ask lots of players to make adjustments as they enter pro ball, but massive improvement almost never comes this easily. Boston farm director Brian Abraham says that's a tribute to Campbell.
"It was a collaboration between our amateur department and our player-development department in terms of the mechanical changes that he needed to impact the ball," Abraham said. "We thought there was some low-hanging fruit that could help him. Kristian really embraces change and the challenge of improvement. To see it happen so immediately and dramatically was exciting."
Campbell spent last offseason at the organization's training base in Fort Myers, Fla., adding 15 pounds of lean muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame without losing any of his athleticism. He laid the groundwork for a breakout season that began with a .976 OPS in 40 games in High-A Greenville. He boosted his OPS to 1.045 in 56 games at Double-A Portland and posted an .898 mark in 19 contests at Triple-A Worcester before missing the last 11 days with a minor strain in his left lat.
Campbell said he tried to keep his approach simple as he rose through the Minors.
"Just have a quality at-bat and hit the ball as hard as you possibly can and in the air," he said. "That's all I can really control. If I hit the ball as hard as possible in the air and had a quality at-bat, that's really all I can do as the pitching is getting more and more advanced at each level."
Besides his metamorphosis at the plate, Campbell also improved other facets of the game. After notching just four steals at Georgia Tech despite plus speed, he became more aggressive on the bases. And while his long-term defensive home is still a question, he did make strides with his glove.
Campbell split time between second base and center field in Single-A, then played more shortstop at higher levels, in large part because of a back injury to Marcelo Mayer, another elite Red Sox prospect. He also saw brief action at third base.
Because he has just average arm strength and a funky throwing motion, Campbell is unlikely to start on the left side of the infield in the big leagues. But he looked smoother at second base and more instinctive in the outfield than he had in the past. He could become an average or better second baseman or at least a solid outfielder.
Though he has played just 137 games as a pro and only 19 above Double-A, Campbell is nearly ready for the big leagues.
"There's still a little bit of chase here and there versus better stuff," Abraham said. "He could hit the ball in the air even more. It's just smaller things, more just continuing to improve the skills he's doing really well in.
"He has the ability to stay on an even keel, even while adapting to different positions during the season. He understands that the process is more important than the results, and that allowed for sustained success this year. Everything we hoped came together for Kristian because of the person he is."
Jim Callis is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him @jimcallisMLB. Listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
BlueClaws Outlast Drive in 12-Inning Thriller, 9–8
BlueClaws Outlast Drive in 12-Inning Thriller, 9–8 GREENVILLE, S.C. — Eduardo Lopez delivered the decisive blow with a two-run homer in the top of the 12th inning as the Jersey Shore BlueClaws outlasted the Greenville Drive 9–8 in a wild series finale Sunday afternoon at Fluor Field. Lopez’s blast to
Brannon's Two Homers Power Drive Past BlueClaws, 6-3, for Fifth Straight Win
Brannon's Two Homers Power Drive Past BlueClaws, 6-3, for Fifth Straight Win GREENVILLE, S.C. — Brooks Brannon homered twice and drove in four runs to lift the Greenville Drive to a 6-3 win over the Jersey Shore BlueClaws on Saturday night at Fluor Field, extending the Drive’s winning streak to
Drive Pounce Early, Ride Sansone's Gem to Doubleheader Sweep 6–1 Over BlueClaws in Nightcap
Drive Pounce Early, Ride Sansone's Gem to Doubleheader Sweep 6–1 Over BlueClaws in Nightcap GREENVILLE, S.C. — A five-run first inning and six strong innings from Michael Sansone powered the Greenville Drive (24–25) to a 6–1 victory over the Jersey Shore BlueClaws (17–31) in the second game of Friday’s doubleheader
White’s Two Homers Power Drive Past BlueClaws 6–4 in Game 1 of Doubleheader
White’s Two Homers Power Drive Past BlueClaws 6–4 in Game 1 of Doubleheader GREENVILLE, S.C. — Hudson White homered twice and drove in three runs to lift the Greenville Drive past the Jersey Shore BlueClaws 6–4 in the first seven inning game of Friday’s doubleheader at Fluor Field. White finished
Drive Power Past Blueclaws, 10-4, Behind Big Nights from Arias & Taylor
Drive Power Past Blueclaws, 10-4, Behind Big Nights from Arias & Taylor GREENVILLE, S.C. — The one-two punch of Red Sox Top Prospects was dominate, No. 3 prospect Franklin Arias had four hits and No. 21 prospect Nelly Taylor drove in three runs, and the Greenville Drive used a five-run
Drive Boil Blueclaws 10-7
Greenville Drive jump on BlueClaws early, hold off late rally in 10-7 win at Fluor Field GREENVILLE, S.C. — Red Sox No. 10 Prospect Yophery Rodriguez doubled three times and drove in five runs, and the Greenville Drive staved off a late push to beat the Jersey Shore Blueclaws 10-7
Drive Blanked in Rain-Shortened Loss to Hot Rods
Drive Blanked in Rain-Shortened Loss to Hot Rods BOWLING GREEN, KY. — The Greenville Drive were shut out in the series finale on Sunday at Bowling Green, falling 5-0 to the Bowling Green Hot Rods in a rain-shortened contest on Saturday afternoon at Bowling Green Ballpark. The Drive split the
SoCon Live Bracket
Southern Conference Baseball Championship SoCon Baseball Championship presented by Holston Gases – Game Times, Fan Events & More! From fireworks to Youth Day and live music downtown, here’s everything happening during tournament week in Greenville! May 21–25 | Fluor Field, Downtown Greenville Grab your SoCon Baseball Tournament tickets and plan
Drive Jump Early, Fend Off Hot Rods’ Rally for 8–4 Win and Series Lead
Drive Jump Early, Fend Off Hot Rods’ Rally for 8–4 Win and Series Lead BOWLING GREEN, KY. — A four-run first inning set the tone as the Greenville Drive (20–24) rode early offense and timely pitching to an 8–4 win over the Bowling Green Hot Rods (23–21) on Saturday night
Brannon's Big Night Not Enough as Drive Fall Late to Hot Rods, 5-4
Brannon's Big Night Not Enough as Drive Fall Late to Hot Rods, 5-4 Bowling Green, KY — Despite a career night from catcher Brooks Brannon, the Greenville Drive (19-24) couldn't hold off a persistent Bowling Green Hot Rods (23-20) offense, falling 5-4 Friday night at Bowling Green Ballpark. Brannon, went
Arias Sparks Early Lead, Bullpen Shines as Drive Edge Hot Rods 4–3
Arias Sparks Early Lead, Bullpen Shines as Drive Edge Hot Rods 4–3 BOWLING GREEN, KY. - Franklin Arias continued his torrid start to the season with a four-hit night, and the Greenville Drive (19–23) pieced together a critical three-run fourth inning before leaning on a stellar bullpen performance to edge
Drive Fall 3-1 to Split a Doubleheader with Hot Rods
Hot Rods Hold Off Drive 3-1 to Earn Doubleheader Split BOWLING GREEN, KY. — Émilien Pitre belted a solo home run and reached base twice as the Bowling Green Hot Rods edged the Greenville Drive 3-1 in the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader at Bowling Green Ballpark. The Hot Rods (22-19)
Greenville Uses Early Surge, Rivera’s Dominance to Top Bowling Green 5–2 in Game 1
Greenville Uses Early Surge, Rivera’s Dominance to Top Bowling Green 5–2 in Game 1 BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A three-run second inning and a dazzling start from Eduardo Rivera carried the Greenville Drive past the Bowling Green Hot Rods 5–2 on Wednesday evening in the opener of a doubleheader at
Drive Falter Late in Series Finale, Fall 6–3 to Spartanburgers
Drive Falter Late in Series Finale, Fall 6–3 to Spartanburgers GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Drive saw a promising start slip away Sunday afternoon at Fluor Field, falling 6–3 to the Hub City Spartanburgers in the final game of a six-game series. Despite a three-run second inning and a solid
Spartanburgers Edge Drive 6-5 Despite Late Homer from Anderson
Spartanburgers Edge Drive 6-5 Despite Late Homer from Anderson GREENVILLE, S.C. — Antonio Anderson’s go-ahead home run in the seventh inning briefly lit up Fluor Field, but it wasn’t enough to hold off a late rally as the Greenville Drive fell 6-5 to the Hub City Spartanburgers on Saturday night.
Drive End Up 1 Fry Short In 3-2 Loss To The Burgers From Hub City
Drive End Up 1 Fry Short In 3-2 Loss To The Burgers From Hub City GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Drive’s ninth-inning rally came up just short on an otherwise forgetful Friday night, as the Hub City Spartanburgers held on for a 3–2 win at Fluor Field to get on
Drive Survive 7-Run Ninth, Walk Off in 11 to Beat Spartanburgers 12-11
Drive Survive 7-Run Ninth, Walk Off in 11 to Beat Spartanburgers 12-11 GREENVILLE, S.C. — After watching a 7-run lead evaporate in the ninth, the Greenville Drive found a way to regroup and rally, walking off the Hub City Spartanburgers 12-11 in 11 innings on Wednesday night at Fluor Field.
Ehrhard’s Five-Hit Day Powers Greenville Past Hub City, 9-6
Ehrhard’s Five-Hit Day Powers Greenville Past Hub City, 9-6 GREENVILLE, S.C. — Zach Ehrhard went 5-for-5 with a three-run homer and five RBIs, lifting the Greenville Drive to a 9-6 victory over the Hub City Spartanburgers on Tuesday afternoon at Fluor Field. Greenville (16-19) struck early with a three-run shot
Drive Edge Spartanburgers 4-3, Nearly Completing the Combined No-Hitter
Drive Edge Spartanburgers 4-3, Nearly Completing the Combined No-Hitter GREENVILLE, SC. — The Greenville Drive flirted with a combined no-hitter Tuesday night at Fluor Field before settling for a gritty 4-3 win over the Hub City Spartanburgers in the opener of a six-game series. A trio of Drive pitchers carried
SoCon Baseball Tournament to Continue in Greenville
The Southern Conference announced on Tuesday that it has extended its agreement with the Greenville Drive, establishing Fluor Field as the home of The Southern Conference Baseball Championship presented by Holston Gases for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 championships. "Extending our partnership with the Greenville Drive to make Fluor Field
This is probably the biggest bat flip you've ever seen
Life is tough. You've got to celebrate your dubs. Andy Lugo, third baseman for the High-A Greenville Drive, has a firm grasp of that concept -- but a flexible grip on his bat. The 21-year-old Red Sox prospect delivered a walk-off knock for the Drive on Saturday night and immediately
With raw pop inherited from father, Brannon paces Red Sox prospects in AFL
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Brooks Brannon had a monster senior season in 2022, helping Randleman (N.C.) High School win its second consecutive 2-A state championship while leading national prep players with 20 homers and 91 RBIs in 34 games. He tied the state home run record that had been set by
MiLB pays homage to the Negro Leagues in June
On June 18, America's oldest professional ballpark will host a Double-A game between the Montgomery Biscuits and Birmingham Barons with MiLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues. This game, with Montgomery suiting up as the Gray Sox and Birmingham playing as the Black Barons, will kick off
Ben's Biz: Title winners ranked for '23
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.