Red Sox News: Kristian Campbell extension talks, insane Jonathan Papelbon comments

The Boston Red Sox opened the year with a win, but three straight losses to the Texas Rangers certainly put a damper on the start of team’s 2025 campaign. Boston’s bat were eerily silent, especially Rafael Devers, who went 0-for-16 with 12 strikeouts to start the season. Yikes!

But a ray of sunshine in an otherwise cloudy weekend emerged with talks of a potential contract extension with Red Sox rookie Kristian Campbell. While Boston may have failed to reach a long-term agreement with pitcher Garrett Crochet, the wheels are in motion for the Red Sox to lock up one of their elite young stars.

Red Sox News: Kristian Campbell contract extension talks are ongoing

Chris Cotillo of Mass Live is reporting that Boston and Campbell are engaged in contract negotiations, and even went as far as to say that a deal could get done as soon as this week. Cotillo was quick to offer a disclaimer, stating that he also wouldn’t be surprised if there was no news at all as the week moves along.

Adding some next-day thoughts on Campbell/extension: Talks are ongoing, as he acknowledged, and they are past the feeling-out phase, I’m told. There’s no deadline here, obviously, and the sides are talking.

Campbell made his major league debut on Opening Day and is under team control for the next six seasons, so there’s obviously no rush to get a deal done immediately. However, this trend of signing young stars to monster contract extensions while they’re still pre-arbitration eligible has become trendy in recent years. Milwaukee Brewers’ outfielder Jackson Chourio signed an eight-year, $82 million last season before ever making his MLB debut.

The Red Sox are obviously looking to secure some cost control for the future while also keeping one of their top young talents in the organization for the next several seasons. This is definitely a story worth keeping an eye on.

Red Sox News: Jonathan Papelbon said what about Rafael Devers?

Leave it to Jonathan Papelbon to go off rails talking about something even he probably doesn’t understand. The outspoken ex-Red Sox reliever was on NESN during a postgame show over the weekend, and his comments surrounding Devers weren’t just off-topic; they weren’t even coherent.

Papelbon’s initial analysis was spot on. He was speaking about Devers’ failure to get his front foot down in time and swinging late. But then, the conversation took a wild turn. Papelbon got into an exchange with Tom Caron and suggested that Devers was out of shape. And there may be some truth to that based on the lack of reps that he received during spring training … but not to the level Papelbon took it.

Papelbon went on to have Billy Madison-esque moment where he’d be awarded zero points because everyone in the room is now dumber for having listened to what he said. “Maybe we gotta trim a little bit of fat, Jim (Rice),” Papelbon said, “Know what happens when you trim fat? Pigs squeal…You trim fat, pigs squeal.”

Social media is sure to have a field day with this one. But there was one thing that Papelbon said that is 100% accurate. Before the segment ended, speaking about Devers, Papelbon said, “The swing is just a little bit behind.”

4 Red Sox who desperately needed a hot start to spring training (and got one)

Spring training is underway for the Boston Red Sox, and with the team’s uber-talented lineup, few roster spots are up for grabs.

There are multiple position battles occurring across the Red Sox’s roster this spring, and manager Alex Cora has said they’ll take the best 26 players to open the season in Arlington, TX on March 27. Everyone from prospects to veterans is playing for their roster spot this year, and a few Sox are already sticking out above the others in their position.

With that in mind, here are four players who have gotten off to a much-needed hot start.

4 Red Sox who desperately needed a hot start to spring training (and got one)

Luis Guerrero

Luis Guerrero, a top prospect, made his major league debut with the Red Sox last season. In a limited sample size, the flamethrowing reliever got off to a hot start, striking out nine batters in 10 innings while allowing just six hits and two walks.

While some had the right-hander making the team out of camp, it was clear that he needed a good spring to solidify his spot in the bullpen. While it is still early, the reliever has gotten off to a great start, allowing just two total batters (one walk and one hit) and striking out six in three innings of work.

Guerrero has certainly turned heads, but with just three innings of work, there are still questions about his MLB-readiness, especially regarding his command issues. Last season, Guerrero had a concerning 5.5 walks per nine innings in 54.1 innings with Worcester.

Roman Anthony

Roman Anthony, Boston’s top prospect, was named a dark-horse candidate for making the Opening Day roster, but he’s also had a very productive start to Grapefruit League action. In 13 at-bats, Anthony has put together a slash line of .308/.500/.385 with a .885 OPS and four RBI. While the Red Sox have a crowded outfield, if Anthony continues to produce at this level, he has a shot at being with the team in Arlington against the Texas Rangers.

The hype surrounding Anthony is warranted, but with just 35 games in AAA last year, the team may have him start in Worcester and ease him into major league play.

Abraham Toro

Abraham Toro signed with the Red Sox on a minor-league deal in late January, and judging by his start, he could grab a roster spot. In 13 plate appearances, Toro slashed .308/.357/.615 with a .973 OPS to go along with a home run and four RBI.

Time will tell if Toro makes the team, as with other, more established bench options like David Hamilton and Romy González, he may be the odd man out. However, if Toro can carry his momentum, he may be considered for infield depth.