WORCESTER — It’s not just the media that calls Red Sox prospects Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel the “Big Three.” Teammates do, too.
Teel posted a photo of the three together on his Instagram account following their promotion to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday.
Portland pitcher Christopher Troye commented, ‘big 3′ and added the fire emoji.
But do the Red Sox actually have a Big Four?
“We call him Barry Bonds just because of how good of a hitter he is,” Anthony said about Kristian Campbell, the other prospect making a very strong case to join them.
Campbell is batting .372 with a .476 on-base percentage, .580 slugging percentage, 1.056 OPS, seven homers, 16 doubles, one triple, 32 RBIs, 43 runs, 32 walks and 33 strikeouts in 50 games (227 plate appearances) since his promotion from High-A Greenville to Portland-A Portland.
“He’s a great player. He’s a freak athlete,” Anthony said. “Plays the game the right way and he’s a great person on and off the field. And it’s rare that you can get a guy like that who can play so many different premium positions and play at the level that he plays at while putting up the numbers that he has put up.”
Campbell is able to play shortstop, center field, second base, third base and left field.
The 22-year-old was known for being a contact hitter at Georgia Tech but there were concerns about his impact, one reason he dropped to the fourth round despite now being a first round talent.
The Red Sox asked Campbell to trade some contact to hit for more power. He also has increased his bat speed significantly, leading to more extra-base power. His strikeout percentage did rise at the beginning of the season but it has continued to drop since his arrival in Portland.
“He grinded all offseason. He was there every day in Florida when we were there,” Anthony said. “Every day at spring training. He’s constantly grinding. So it’s not by accident. But we’re hoping to see him here soon because he’s a stud.”
Baseball America ranks Mayer No. 10, Anthony No. 18, Teel No. 31 and Campbell No. 98 on its Top 100 list.
Mayer called what Campbell is doing “super impressive.”
“I’m just a fan of watching him play,” Mayer said. “He’s just such a unique player and so athletic. And he’s able to do everything at such a high level that it’s super impressive to watch.”