Romy Gonzalez, who was one of the key utility infielders for the Boston Red Sox last year, has a nagging shoulder issue and remains an uncertainty heading into spring training. On Monday, the Boston Globe's Tim Healey reported that Gonzalez "sounds like he’s behind much of the rest of the group," giving Red Sox fans something to worry about as the 2026 campaign looms.
Although Gonzalez plans to be ready for Opening Day, sports fans know that setbacks are always a possibility. That has magnified the need for internal solutions rather than relying solely on trade acquisition, Caleb Durbin, whom they just traded for on Monday.
With Gonzalez's health in question, the Red Sox will need other players to step up in his absence. Boston fans are already brainstorming who that hero could be, with many eyes locked on Kristian Campbell.
Red Sox Need Kristian Campbell's Best Amid Romy Gonzalez's Absence
Originally, as one of the more promising young bats in the Red Sox farm system, Campbell was given an eight-year, $60 million extension less than two weeks of playing at the major league level. It was a rare commitment to a kid who was new on the pipeline as a top prospect, and he also won the Minor League Player of the Year Award in 2024.
Campbell burst right out of the gate with a .375 batting average to start the 2025 season, showing power and patience that justified his long-term extension. However, the rest of his major league tenure didn't go as smoothly. After a rough stretch at the plate and in the field, Boston optioned him back to AAA Worcester in mid-June, where he battled to regain his confidence and consistency.
While many saw that as a setback, recent developments have refocused attention on him and his role come 2026.
Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has spoken positively about Campbell's maturity and potential, noting that with the right approach and healthy at-bats, Campbell could provide a versatile option across the infield and in the lineup.
Defensively, Campbell has worked hard. He's worked at second base, outfield, and even at first base in the past, giving Boston options if Gonzalez or other infielders struggle to stay healthy and productive. Manager Alex Cora is also training him at third base for a change, all the while fully seeing him as a potential outfielder for this year.
Trying to erase the sting of 2025, the 23-year-old participated in the Puerto Rican Winter League ball with Criollos de Caguas, putting in real game reps against seasoned competition and using the opportunity to refine both his swing and approach at the plate. During that stint, he posted a respectable line, showing improved plate discipline and adjustments to his mechanics, no longer shaking the bat furiously while waiting for his pitch and instead just holding it above his shoulders.
I also wrote about that this past summer, which makes it much more hilarious that he's doing exactly that.
Campbell's winter ball reps, including getting action in the outfield as well as at his more traditional spots, reflect a young player committed to growth and versatility, which is showing the Red Sox in real time why they still believe he can rebound and contribute this upcoming season.
Replacing Gonzalez's presence won't be easy, but Campbell can foster a lot of goodwill with the club and fans if he can step up in his teammate's absence. That makes Campbell one of the top players Red Sox fans should keep an eye on throughout spring training.