Kristian is ... Jaylen? Cora makes heady comparison

BRADENTON, Fla. – Kristian Campbell, MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 prospect (No. 2 for the Red Sox), draws some interesting comparisons due to his freakish athleticism.

The latest was Tuesday, when Red Sox manager and noted basketball fan Alex Cora compared Campbell to Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, the MVP of the 2024 NBA Finals.

“You look at Jaylen Brown on the court, it's different, [but] he gets it done,” said Cora before Boston’s 12-4 win over Pittsburgh on Tuesday at LECOM Park. “The way he moves is different from the other athletes in the NBA. Like, honestly, the first five days [of Spring Training], I'm like, ‘Who is [Campbell] as a baseball player?’ I’m like, ‘Jaylen Brown.’ It's different, you know, the way they run. But they glide and they move and they’re smooth.”

Apprised of the comparison by his manager, Campbell was intrigued at being mentioned in the same sentence as another standout athlete from his home state of Georgia.

“He's a really good player. He's an extremely good basketball player,” said Campbell, who then wondered if Cora elaborated on the comparison.

A reporter conveyed that Cora was saying their movements are atypical, but ultimately they get to the spot they need to get to.

“Yeah, that's different, for sure,” Campbell said. “That's the first non-baseball one I’ve heard. That's actually really cool, in my opinion. It’s like, different, but still gets the job done.”

While the 6-3, 210-pound Campbell would look small in an NBA environment, his lanky yet wiry presence is noticeable any time he walks through Boston’s clubhouse.

However, that doesn’t mean the 22-year-old will be ready to start the season in the Major Leagues.

The physical tools are obvious. But there is still some fine-tuning to do.

The biggest area of focus? Being able to turn a double play with precision.

While Campbell has displayed the versatility to play everywhere but catcher and first base in his pro career, second base is his clearest path to Boston’s Opening Day roster.

Is Campbell ready to play second base in the Major Leagues?

“There's a few things that he still needs to work on, but he has range, and the double play is getting better,” said Cora.

The double play turns will have to be at an optimum level by the end of Spring Training for Campbell to break camp with the Red Sox.

“At this level, turning the double play is huge,” said Cora. “If there’s a chance to turn a double play, you better turn it.”

Cora is providing some of his own expertise from his career as a middle infielder to Campbell.

“Just [giving him] a few pointers,” Cora said. ‘Get to your slot a little bit quicker. Feel the rhythm of your feet and your hand. From my own knowledge, I’m passing it forward. “

One thing Cora is learning about Campbell is that he’s a quick study.

“He has good footwork, very visual. For him, you show him, he'll do it,” said Cora. “You talk about it and he'll hesitate a little bit, but as soon as he sees it, he gets it.”

Vaughn Grissom and David Hamilton, two players who spent time at second base for the Red Sox last season while Campbell was in the Minors, are also getting a chance to win the position.

For that reason, Campbell started in left field on Monday and Tuesday.

“He’ll play second [again] at one point, and we’ll see where we’re at,” Cora said.

At this point, Campbell’s bat is ahead of his glove. The organization has little doubt that his bat speed, swing decisions and ability to launch the baseball will play at the highest level. Campbell drew walks in both of his plate appearances against Pittsburgh.

Campbell started Grapefruit League action 0-for-12 with eight strikeouts. He snapped out of it with a single to right on Monday. Prior to that, Cora noticed Campbell was uncharacteristically going outside the zone.

“We talked about controlling the strike zone. ‘What's your strength?’ Yeah, he can hit it hard, but he dominates the strike zone,” said Cora.

Campbell admitted to feeling a sense of relief as he arrived at the ballpark on Tuesday.

“I’m trying to stay as patient as possible and not get too antsy up there. Drew two walks today, so I was definitely happy about that,” Campbell said.

Campbell’s ability to hold his swing until the last possible instant led Cora to another comparison.

“I keep saying that the decision-making is George [Springer],” said Cora. “At this stage, George, he struck out a lot. He’s striking out a lot now, but he will put the ball in play. It’s just the decision-making [by Campbell] is so good. That impresses me. That’s really good.”