The Boston Red Sox promoted infield prospect Kristian Campbell to their major league roster at the beginning of the 2025 MLB season, but after a challenging series of games, he was sent back to Triple-A in June. The highly regarded rookie has taken this setback as an opportunity to grow, inspired in part by advice from Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout.
Mike Trout recalls how demotion shaped his early career
Mike Trout, a three-time MVP and future Hall of Famer, experienced a similar demotion early in his major league journey in 2012. Speaking about those moments, Trout emphasized the importance of understanding the big league experience, even when it feels discouraging.
“In the moment, it (stinks),” Trout said. “But you’ve got to experience what it’s like up here. You know what you need to do to maintain and stay up here. That’s what I look back on for myself. When I got sent down, I was upset, but I knew, OK, now when I get another chance, I know what to expect. I can slow the game down.”
—Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels Superstar
This perspective serves as a reminder that early struggles do not define a player‘s career and can provide valuable lessons for future success.
Kristian Campbell embraces the challenge and looks ahead to improvement
Campbell has publicly acknowledged Trout’s advice and expressed a positive mindset about his current situation. He recognizes that enduring the grind of the minor leagues will help him refine his skills and become a stronger player.
“Part of the process, it’s going to make me a better player,” Campbell said. “Two years ago I was in college. I don’t have anything to be mad at myself about…I can only get better.”
—Kristian Campbell, Boston Red Sox Infield Prospect
Just weeks after earning a place on the Red Sox roster in April, Campbell impressed the organization to the extent that he secured an eight-year, $60 million contract extension, highlighting the team‘s confidence in his potential despite recent setbacks.
Key focus areas for Campbell during his time in Triple-A
Trout advised Campbell to avoid overcomplicating his approach at the plate during this developmental phase. Instead, he urged the young player to remain confident in the techniques that initially brought him success, cautioning against trying to force results.
“When young guys get up here, they try to do so much. Especially myself. I got out of my approach a lot. Didn’t really trust what got me there. If I try to hit the ball so hard or hit the ball so far every time, I’m going to get myself out. I had to trust what got me there. It was a big learning experience for me.”
—Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels Superstar
With that mentality and the limited infield depth the Red Sox currently face, Campbell appears poised to return to the majors once he regains his form and confidence.
The broader impact of overcoming early setbacks
Campbell’s willingness to embrace a demotion as a learning opportunity reflects a growing recognition in professional baseball that setbacks do not preclude long-term success. Following Trout’s example, many young players are now viewing temporary moves to the minors as vital steps in their development rather than failures.
For Kristian Campbell, the experience gained during this period in Triple-A could prove invaluable, providing him with greater clarity and resilience necessary to thrive at the major league level in the coming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Mike Trout diagnosed with?
A. In 2017, on May 28, Trout had to leave the game because he sprained his left thumb. At that moment, his batting average was .337, and he was the Angels’ leader with 16 home runs. Two days later, an MRI showed he had a torn ulnar collateral ligament. This injury caused him to be put on the disabled list for the first time in his major league career.
Q. Will Mike Trout play in 2025?
A. Mike Trout, a top player for the Los Angeles Angels, is prepared for the 2025 MLB season. Despite being absent for almost 400 games in the past four years because of injuries, the three-time American League MVP wants to show he can still compete at a high level.
Q. What disability does Mike Trout have?
A. Mike Trout has a rare injury that might affect him for the rest of his career. This condition is known as T5 Costovertebral Dysfunction. Simply put, it means there’s unusual stress on the joint where the rib connects to the upper spine.
Q. Is Mike Trout an Eagles fan?
A. Mike Trout, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, is among the top players in Major League Baseball and has a remarkable career. Growing up in New Jersey, he has always been a dedicated fan of the Eagles, openly cheering for the team.