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Uncertainty surrounded the ARIA Resort & Casino during the MLB GM Meetings as executives and media members prepared for an impending lockout on Dec. 1. Amid these broader industry questions, the Boston Red Sox faced specific roster dilemmas concerning former top prospect Kristian Campbell and their outfield alignment.
Kristian Campbell’s Roster Uncertainty
Tuesday marked the deadline for teams to protect players from the Rule 5 draft by adding them to the 40-man roster. Campbell, who did not play in the majors in 2026, signed an eight-year, $60 million extension eight games into his 2025 rookie campaign but failed to return to the big leagues after a June demotion that year.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Campbell’s 40-man roster spot might be in jeopardy as Boston weighs the possibility of designating him for assignment. When asked about the possibility Tuesday, Red Sox president of baseball operations Craig Breslow declined to comment directly, stating that Campbell remains part of the organization and the team is invested in helping him reach his capability.
Industry belief suggests that if designated for assignment, Campbell would clear waivers due to his minor-league performance and remaining contract, which owes him $55 million over the next six seasons, including salaries of $13 million in 2031 and $16 million in 2032. Campbell posted a .256/.383/.380 slash line with eight home runs across 462 plate appearances at Triple-A Worcester in 2026.
One league executive suggested during the meetings that no club would have interest in claiming Campbell considering the financial commitment. If outrighted to Triple-A Worcester after clearing waivers, Campbell would free up a 40-man spot, though his contract would still count toward the competitive balance tax payroll unless claimed by another team.
Despite acknowledging the player’s recent loss of confidence following struggles at both levels, Breslow expressed optimism about his future. “He’s got a world of potential,” Breslow said, adding that the team is excited to see him perform in spring training.
Jake Bauers Signing and Jarren Duran’s Future
The Red Sox signed Jake Bauers to a four-year, $58 million contract Friday to add another power bat to the lineup. Willson Contreras will anchor first base while Bauers primarily serves as designated hitter, occasionally filling in at first.
Bauers recorded a .266/.389/.484 slash line with an .874 OPS and 26 home runs with the Milwaukee Brewers this past season. The Red Sox were drawn to his plate discipline, ability to lift the ball, and power to all fields as a left-handed hitter at Fenway Park.
The addition further complicates the future of Jarren Duran, as the Red Sox already feature a heavily left-handed offensive mix including Bauers, Wilyer Abreu, Masataka Yoshida, Roman Anthony, and Duran. With one left-handed bat likely needing to depart, Duran—who could earn upwards of $11 million in arbitration next season—appears to be a trade candidate.
Multiple sources indicated during the meetings that a trade might benefit both the Red Sox and Duran. Addressing the ongoing outfield logjam discussions, Breslow noted that injuries have historically prevented the team from having all of its outfielders healthy simultaneously.
Notes From Around the League
Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young stated that his team is not attempting a rebuild ahead of next season, despite missing the playoffs in the three years following their 2023 World Series title. Veterans Corey Seager and Jacob deGrom remain available on the trade block as the Rangers look to shed high salaries and retool.
Addressing whether the Cincinnati Reds can retain client Elly De La Cruz, agent Scott Boras commented on ownership operations and market competitiveness. The Reds, who reached the postseason in 2025 for the first time in five years, have informed other clubs of their willingness to discuss starting pitching.
Starting pitcher Sonny Gray resolved his grievance with the Red Sox after publicly criticizing his early removal from Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, reaching out the same evening. While Gray would be willing to return to Boston, industry consensus points to him landing closer to his Nashville home, with the starting-pitcher-needing Atlanta Braves emerging as the frontrunner.
