The Boston Red Sox may just have the next superstar on their roster. Team officials have revamped the team following a series of major offseason moves. Although they made some quality additions, the subtraction of Alex Bregman was widely seen as a significant loss. After all, the veteran was not only a key player but one of the club’s most important leaders.
While Bregman’s departure stings, Boston has players who are expected to step up in 2026. One of these budding stars is Roman Anthony. Formally the top prospect in the Red Sox organization, Anthony had a successful rookie campaign in 2025. He hit .292 to go along with a .463 slugging and .859 OPS. Despite featuring in just 71 games, he finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting on the season.
Thanks to his breakout performances last year, Anthony was invited to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic after Corbin Carroll suffered an injury. The outfielder has not only filled in for the two-time All-Star, but he has also become a key player for Team USA. In fact, Anthony hit the eventual game-winning home run against the Dominican Republic on March 15. The triumph guided USA to the championship game.
After the big win, FOX Sports analyst Alex Rodriguez heaped praise on Anthony. “When you see a kid like that, whether it’s Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams or Derek Jeter or Big Papi, there are some people that just have the ‘It Factor’,” stated Rodriguez. “That kid has the looks, the humility, the size, the power.”
Boston Red Sox Star Roman Anthony Leads Team USA in RBIs
GettyRoman Anthony is starring for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.
Former Red Sox great David Ortiz was also impressed with Anthony. “That kid is a student of the game,” Ortiz continued. “We are so proud to have him in our organization, and it’s because he does nothing but get better and better and better.”
“This is a kid who came into the league last year, he got injured, and watching his team during the playoffs, and not being able to perform and be with them? That was killing him. I can see it in his face. Glad that he’s healthy this year. He put on a show tonight.”
Anthony, just 21, will next attempt to bring the World Baseball Classic title back to Boston. Team USA is set to face the winner of Venezuela and Italy in the championship game on March 17. Anthony is expected to remain in USA’s starting lineup after hitting .318 to go along with a .591 OPS and a team-high seven RBIs during the competition.
Staying Healthy Will be Crucial to Star’s Success
The phenom has essentially proven to be a quality hitter wherever he plays. Outside of his successful 71-game season with Boston, Anthony also slashed .288/.423/.491 with AAA Worcester in 2025. The only thing that held the youngster back was an oblique injury back in September. Anthony missed the final month of the previous campaign due to the setback.
Red Sox fans and management will be hoping that the outfielder remains fit for the vast majority of the 2026 campaign. If so, he is expected to develop into a true MLB superstar in the near future.
A-Rod Compares Red Sox Youngster to DiMaggio and Jeter