After only five games in the major leagues, the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a long-term contract with top prospect Kristian Campbell.
The deal, which includes a signing bonus of $2 million, is for $60 million over eight years from 2025 to 2032 − with a pair of team options in 2033 and 2034 that could raise the value to as much as $96 million, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the deal hadn’t yet been announced.
Campbell, 22, made the Red Sox’s opening day roster this season after starting the 2024 season at High-A. His rapid rise to the majors came after he destroyed three levels of minor-league pitching a year ago to a combined .330/.439/.558 slash line with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases − a performance that earned him USA TODAY Minor League Player of the Year honors.
‘I think the sky’s the limit for him,’ said Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman.
A fourth-round draft pick in 2023, Campbell has shown considerable versatility in his limited time as a professional, playing primarily at second base or shortstop, but also seeing time at all three outfield positions. That may have been one of the reasons he made the major league roster this spring, despite hitting just .167 in 48 at-bats.
In five games so far this season with Boston, Campbell is hitting .375/.500/.688 with a home run, two doubles and four walks in 20 plate appearances. He’s played four games at second base and one in left field.
It’s the second extension the Red Sox have handed out this week. On Monday, pitcher Garrett Crochet and the Red Sox agreed on a six-year, $170 million contract extension. Heading into the season, the Red Sox current payroll ranks 12th in the majors at $193.6 million, according to figures compiled by USA TODAY.