Have the Boston Red Sox finally discovered a talent impressive enough to banish the lingering presence of Mookie Betts? It’s been over five years since Boston sent Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers, yet many Red Sox supporters are still haunted by the transaction, which is widely considered one of the franchise’s most regrettable moves.

Betts’ subsequent success, including two World Series championships with the Dodgers, only deepens the wound. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have struggled, although the most recent offseason brought renewed hope for potential World Series contention. Even more promising is the emergence of a new star who might match Betts’ brilliance in a Boston jersey.

Bill Simmons, a devoted Boston sports enthusiast and renowned sportswriter for The Ringer, expressed his excitement on X with a memorable post about his cherished Red Sox. “I’ve been lamenting the Mookie trade for half a decade, but now we’re turning a new leaf thanks to KRISTIAN CAMPBELL,” Simmons declared.

His comment came shortly after Campbell hit his second career homer on Thursday. The 22-year-old rookie smashed a curveball from Baltimore Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton over Camden Yards’ left-field fence in the second inning. Notably, Morton, 41, was selected by the Atlanta Braves just 22 days before Campbell entered the world in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Boston triumphed 8-4, with Alex Bregman and Triston Casas also hitting their first home runs of 2025 for the Red Sox. Nevertheless, Campbell remains Boston’s focal point (and will continue to be until his performance wanes).

Currently, Campbell boasts a .417/.500/.833 slash line over his first seven games. He’s 10-for-24 at the plate, with two homers, four RBIs, four walks, and five strikeouts. On Friday afternoon, he’ll make his Fenway Park debut when the Red Sox face the St. Louis Cardinals in their home opener. Simmons will undoubtedly be watching.