No One Should Give Kristian Campbell Shit For Signing An Extension With The Red Sox

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This is an epic extension for a player who could be very, very good. Kristian Campbell dominated in college, had a .327/.439/.558 in the minor leagues and is starting everyday for the Red Sox right now at 23. He's considered a Top-10 prospect by just about every major publication.

If you go online and take a look at the reaction to this signing, it's a lot of people shitting on Campbell for taking what they consider to be a low offer. Other people are mocking how long he is now committed to the team when you take the club options into effect.

I think all of this is a wild take by people talking out of their asses. Is this a smart extension for the Red Sox? Absolutely. They are a large market team who should be making exactly these kind of moves. But, I also think it's not a bad move by Campbell at all.

Kevin C. Cox. Getty Images.

Part of this overreaction by people is because this was announced at almost exactly the same time as the Jackson Merrill extension with the Padres.

Obviously, Merrill is going to get more money than Campbell. He had a 4.4 WAR last year, was an All-Star and was the Rookie of the Year runner-up. He's already proven to be a very good major leaguer. Kristian Campbell has played five games in the big leagues. This isn't apples and apples.

It's also easy for any of us to scoff at this without taking the real world into effect. What would you say if you were in his shoes? You'd be getting a $60 million guarantee. Now, after taxes and paying your agent, that number gets a lot closer to $25 million but still! That is life-changing money not only for him, but his whole family. 

For the first six seasons of your MLB career, you really are beholden to the teams. You get hurt, you're fucked. Have a big rookie year but wash out before arbitration? You'll never make more than the minimum. The minimum salary is $760,000 which is a ton of money. But factor in taxes and the idea that there is no guarantee beyond that year and someone offering you $60 million suddenly looks so much enticing. Remember, this is their livelihoods. They have spent their whole lives doing something that nothing is promised for. 

Good for the Red Sox for taking an educated risk and locking up one of their best young players. That's how the Braves built their core. Good for Kristian Campbell for taking care of himself and his family for the rest of his life. 

Both things can be true.