Campbell began the 2-25 season as an American League Rookie of the Year contender but finished in the minor leagues after a June demotion. The 23-year-old played multiple different positions in Triple-A Worcester while searching for a path back to Boston.

It’s unclear precisely how Campbell will factor into the team’s 2026 plans. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow endorsed Campbell as an essential part of the team’s future during Monday’s press conference, but he wouldn’t commit to a specific role.

“Kristian learned a lot about himself,” Breslow said. “We learned a lot about him. He’s a tireless worker, and we saw that from spring training through his time in the big leagues, when he was AL Rookie of the Month (in April) to when he was struggling and sent down. I’ve got a ton of confidence, both in the work he’s going to commit to this offseason and what he’s going to mean to this organization.

“But I don’t think it makes a ton of sense to try to pin him to a role outside of saying he’s going to feel the support of the entire organization. And we know what he’s capable of.”

Six months ago, the Red Sox gave Campbell an eight-year, $60 million extension after he made the Opening Day roster. The top prospect posted a .902 OPS through April but batted .159/.243/.222 in his subsequent 140 plate appearances before getting sent down.

Campbell likely would have rejoined the Red Sox eventually if offense was the organization’s only concern. Although he hit just eight home runs with a 26.3 percent strikeout rate in 73 games with the WooSox, Campbell eventually found his groove to notch a .383 on-base percentage.

However, Campbell was a subpar fielder in the majors, registering -16 defensive runs saved (DRS) at second base. He pivoted to first base at Worcester before taking more outfield reps later in the season.

Campbell may not start the 2026 season with a set position, so he’ll ultimately need to earn his way back into Boston’s lineup with his bat.