Red Sox send struggling young star Kristian Campbell to Triple-A

The Red Sox are making another bold move with one of their young stars, but this one doesn’t involve a trade.

Boston optioned Kristian Campbell back to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday after his weeks of struggles at the plate, according to multiple reports.

It’s not yet clear who will be taking his spot on Boston’s roster.

Kristian Campbell dives back to first base on a long flyout during the eighth inning of the Red Sox’s 2-0 road win over the Mariners on June 16, 2025. AP

The 22-year-old middle infielder/center fielder impressed in his first 29 games as a big leaguer with a .301/.407/.495 slash line as he and the team agreed to an eight-year, $60 million extension — ensuring he would remain in Boston for the future.

But that future, at least for now, will be put on hold after he hit .134 and .205 in May and June, respectively.

His OPS+ for the season now sits at 87 — 13 points below league average.

Compounding matters was rough defense, as he ranked in just the 1st percentile in outs above average with a minus-9 rating.

Kristian Campbell hits a two-run home run against during a Red Sox game against the Yankees earlier this month. John Jones-Imagn Images

Even traditional stats were unkind to Campbell’s play, particularly at second base, where he had seven errors and a .968 fielding percentage.

It has been a wild week-plus for the Red Sox, who are now 39-37 after winning eight of their last 10 games but dealt arguably their biggest stars, Rafael Devers, to the Giants in a trade that shocked the baseball world.

Whether it’s serendipitous or just the baseball gods having a good laugh, the Red Sox begin a series against Devers and San Francisco on Friday night.