Kristian Campbell’s struggles impact Red Sox lineup as the young second baseman’s sharp decline threatens Boston’s chances during the current MLB season. Since opening strong in April, Campbell’s drop in production has raised questions about the lineup’s composition and potential changes before the season’s stretch run.
Early Promise Rapidly Fades for Red Sox Second Baseman
Kristian Campbell began the season with a remarkable start, batting .423 with a 1.323 OPS through his first eight games, positioning himself as a candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year. This early burst suggested he could be a foundational player for the Red Sox’s infield.
However, since then, Campbell has slumped into one of the least effective hitters among qualified second basemen in Major League Baseball. His batting average dropped below .200, and his defense ranks worst at his position according to StatCast metrics.
The Red Sox face a difficult choice: whether to continue investing in Campbell’s development on the field despite his struggles or to seek alternative options to stabilize the lineup. Benching or demoting the young infielder back to their Worcester minor league affiliate presents tough organizational decisions, especially given the club’s faith in him from Opening Day despite his modest .576 OPS in spring training.
Red Sox Infield May See Strategic Realignments Ahead of Playoff Push
Injuries and performance issues complicate Boston’s handling of their struggling second base situation. The anticipated return of Alex Bregman from a quadriceps strain could open opportunities for greater infield flexibility. There’s speculation that Campbell’s current spot might be reassigned, potentially moving Marcelo Mayer to shortstop and shifting Trevor Story to second base.
Alternatively, the Red Sox might explore repositioning other players, such as placing Roman Anthony in center field and sliding Ceddanne Rafaela over to second base. However, neither Anthony nor Rafaela currently offers an offensive upgrade over Campbell, which limits the impact of such moves.
Similar Lineup Struggles Across MLB Spotlight Underperformance Challenges
Campbell is far from alone in facing performance woes this season. Numerous players occupying regular roles across the league have delivered underwhelming performances after high expectations, creating challenges for their teams’ competitiveness and roster decisions.
For example, Michael Massey of the Kansas City Royals has faced a season-long slump, hitting just above the Mendoza Line before an ankle injury landed him on the injured list, effectively benching him. Despite prior postseason success and a strong spring training, Massey’s current .479 OPS ranks last among players with a comparable number of plate appearances. The Royals have yet to seriously consider giving prospects like Cam Devanney, who boasts a .939 OPS at Triple-A Omaha, a chance to spark the lineup.
Similarly, Washington Nationals’ catcher Keibert Ruiz carries the largest financial burden among the team‘s players but has underperformed dramatically. Following two early home runs, Ruiz slid into a 230-plate appearance homerless drought with an OPS+ in the mid-70s for two straight seasons. Defensively, he is rated lowest in Fielding Run Value among qualified catchers, and the Nationals’ backup catcher Riley Adams has struggled offensively, batting just .096 for the year.
Relief Pitcher’s Decline Signals Deeper Trouble for Braves Bullpen
The Atlanta Braves’ bullpen struggles are highlighted by reliever Raisel Iglesias, whose diminished velocity and ineffective slider have undermined his role as closer. Despite reports that Iglesias
“won’t necessarily be the Braves’ primary closer”
anymore, no clear new closer has emerged amid a recent drought of save opportunities.
Since mid-May, Iglesias has recorded four blown saves and holds a 6.75 ERA in his first 12 chances. Opponents are hitting his slider and changeup harder than in previous seasons, leading to increased home runs allowed off those pitches. While it is unlikely the Braves can release Iglesias due to his $16 million salary, reducing his usage in high-leverage situations seems prudent.
Atlanta must weigh whether Iglesias can regain form quickly or if continued struggles will damage the team‘s hopes for the 2025 season.
Other Notable Offenses Struggling to Deliver Consistent Production
Several other position players across MLB are enduring prolonged offensive slumps, forcing their teams to consider benching or alternative roster moves.
Jorge Soler of the Los Angeles Angels exemplifies this trend. Despite the Angels’ proactive acquisitions of players like Chris Taylor, LaMonte Wade Jr., and recent first-rounder Christian Moore, Soler has persisted in the lineup, perhaps reflecting an attachment to a $26 million contract rather than current performance. Since mid-April, Soler is hitting only .181 with a .548 OPS and striking out more than his total bases amassed, while also providing limited defensive value in right field.
In Cleveland, Angel Martinez initially impressed after promotion from Triple-A but has since fallen into a slump, batting .187 with a .529 OPS over his most recent 41 games. The Guardians continue to shuffle Martinez throughout the lineup to reignite his early-season form, but with other outfielders like Lane Thomas and Nolan Jones also struggling, the team faces a broader offensive problem.
The Guardians’ top prospects, including CJ Kayfus and Chase DeLauter, are showing promise in Triple-A, but neither is yet ready to fill everyday major league roles. The team must balance patience with the need to contend in a tough American League Central.
Braves Shortstop Nick Allen’s Defensive Value Tested by Offensive Deficiencies
Nick Allen, acquired last offseason by Atlanta, has provided stellar defense, potentially earning him a National League Gold Glove award, but his bat remains a significant liability. Since May, Allen has hit just .183 with a .478 OPS, contributing minimally to the Braves’ offense with no home runs and only 13 RBIs.
With limited viable alternatives—backup Luke Williams offers little offensive hope, and Orlando Arcia was cut—Atlanta is awaiting the arrival of prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr., who recently debuted in Triple-A after an extended injury. Alvarez’s minor league track record suggests he could provide an offensive boost at shortstop, helping to balance the tradeoff between defense and offense.
Seattle Mariners Seek Solutions for Sluggish Designated Hitter Spot
Seattle Mariners face problems at designated hitter, where Jorge Polanco’s performance has plummeted after a strong start. Polanco’s OPS from May 4 through June 12 ranked as the second-worst among MLB hitters, dropping to .434 despite a recent hitting streak that somewhat boosted his numbers.
With no promising players waiting to replace him, the Mariners must weigh their options carefully. Backup Mitch Garver, with just one home run this season, offers a weak alternative. Meanwhile, prospects like Harry Ford, who holds a .922 OPS at Triple-A Tacoma, represent hopeful calls from the minors but are untested at the major league level.
Seattle may also consider active trade pursuit to address offensive needs before falling too far behind division leaders Houston and others at the July trade deadline.
The Stakes of Struggling Starters and the Role of Bench Players in MLB’s Stretch Run
The ongoing struggles of players like Kristian Campbell and others around the league reveal how critical it is for teams to manage their rosters strategically as the regular season progresses toward the postseason. For the Red Sox, Campbell’s downturn places pressure on the lineup’s middle infield stability and overall offensive effectiveness.
Decisions about whether to give young players more time to develop or to turn to bench options and prospects will have significant implications. Boston’s approach, combined with potential returns from injured stars like Alex Bregman, could determine their playoff viability.
Similarly, teams like the Braves, Mariners, and Royals must weigh current underperformance against future potential, often hoping that prospects or trades might inject needed energy. Their management of struggling veterans, whether through reduced playing time or positional changes, will play a crucial role as they seek to remain competitive during the stretch run.