Kristian Eron Campbell, born on June 28, 2002, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is an American professional baseball player who plays as a second baseman and outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. He attended George Walton Comprehensive High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he earned letters in baseball all four years. In 2020, he batted .373 with a .572 on-base percentage and stole 30 bases. He went undrafted in 2021 and played college baseball at Georgia Tech, redshirting his freshman year and starting 45 games in his sophomore year. In 2023, he slashed .376/.484/.549, earning Freshman All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball.
The Boston Red Sox selected Campbell in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft. He debuted professionally with the Florida Complex League Red Sox in August 2023, later joining the High-A Greenville Drive. In 2024, he played for the Greenville Drive, Portland Sea Dogs, and Worcester Red Sox, posting a combined .330/.439/.558 slash line. His rapid progression earned him Minor League Player of the Year honors from Baseball America and USA Today.
On March 27, 2025, Campbell made his MLB debut with the Red Sox, starting at second base on Opening Day. At 22 years and 272 days old, he became the youngest Red Sox player to debut in the Opening Day starting lineup since Joe Lahoud in 1968. In his debut game, Campbell recorded his first MLB hit. He hit his first career home run on March 29, 2025, in a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Recent reports indicate that Campbell and the Red Sox are in “deep talks” regarding a potential contract extension, though terms have not been disclosed.