Fort Report: Spring Training concludes, Campbell makes Opening Day Roster
With spring training games over (with the exception of the pair of games in Mexico), all eyes turn to the regular season and where the final roster cuts will be made to begin the 2025 season.
In what has constantly been described as a meteoric rise, Kristian Campbell’s next step will be a trip to Texas with Boston to begin his Major League career. News broke Sunday evening that the SoxProspects’ second-ranked prospect won the second base job.
Despite slashing just .167/.305/.271 in 59 spring plate appearances, it was evident from the start of the spring that Campbell was an option to break camp with the team. In the later weeks of camp, Campbell’s improved results as well as stellar defense seemed to be enough to prove to the organization that he is ready for MLB action.
After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, Campbell proved to hit at every level of the minor leagues. The Georgia Tech product hit .330 with a .997 OPS en route to several awards recognizing him as one of the best players in minor league baseball in 2024.
As spring training comes to an end, the final roster cuts over the final week of exhibition matches slowly trickled in. Among some of the notable moves, Luis Guerrero will begin the season in AAA after struggling following a strong start to the spring. Joining Guerrero in Worcester on the pitching side are Quinn Preister, Josh Winckowski, and Matt Moore. Despite having an opt-out in his contract, Moore decided to not exercise it and will serve as left-handed depth.
Adam Ottavino was also informed he did not make the Red Sox roster and was granted his release due to an opt-out in his deal.
After impressing down the stretch of the spring, longtime prospect Bryan Mata was also optioned to AAA where he will continue his development.
On the positional side, Vaughn Grissom, Blake Sabol, and Trayce Thompson were optioned. Grissom was in consideration for the second baseman job with David Hamilton and Campbell but only managed a .535 OPS in 40 plate appearances. Thompson, who many thought to be a possible outfield option early in camp struggled after a torrid start to the spring.
After a strong spring, Marcelo Mayer was also told he would begin the season in AAA. It has not been reported yet, but it appears likely Roman Anthony will join Mayer in Worcester to open the year.
To conclude cuts, Boston assigned Wyatt Mills, Nathan Hickey, and Mark Kolozsvary to minor league camp. The organization also released Jancel Santana, Raimundo De Los Santos, and Armando Sierra.
Along with roster cuts, the organization placed Will Turner, Alex Bouchard, Joey Gartrell, Brandon Neely, and Jovani Moran on the 60-day injured list while Matt Donlan, Matt Duffy, Cole Tolbert, and Cade Feeney were placed on the full-season injured list.
Links
Ian concluded his trip to Florida by breaking down some of the pitchers he saw during the Spring Breakout Games, with insight on some of the top arms in Boston’s organization.
Amid the news of Campbell making the Opening Day roster, Chris Cotillo of MassLive breaks down how his presence on the roster can help the organization earn an additional draft pick.
Where are they now?
- After having a brief stint with Boston in 2024, Mickey Gasper has made the Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster. Gasper will look for his first big league hit after appearing in 13 games for the Red Sox, going hitless in 18 at-bats.
- A few former Boston prospects involved in trades last season were among some final roster cuts prior to the season. Nick Yorke, who debuted with Pittsburgh last season after being traded for Quinn Preister, as well as Chase Meidroth, Braden Montgomery, and Kyle Teel, prospects in the Garrett Crochet deal, will all begin their seasons in the Minor Leagues.
Minor leaguers in major league games
In the Fort Report, we track players who are not in major league camp who appeared in major league spring training games. The numbers in parentheses list the player's current SoxProspects ranking.
Pitchers: Alex Hoppe, Jacob Webb, Brian Van Belle, Jonathan Brand
Position Players: Nathan Hickey (48), Phillip Sikes, Kolby Johnson, Fraymi De Leon, Karson Simas, Frayner Noria