The Boston Red Sox watched Roman Anthony enter spring training with a clear focus. Prepare for his first full season. Work on his game. Get ready for Opening Day.
Then Corbin Carroll got injured. A roster spot opened on Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. Mark DeRosa called. Anthony didn’t hesitate. The invitation was a no-brainer, a blessing, and a childhood dream he didn’t expect to live this soon.
Tuesday brought his first exhibition game wearing Team USA’s jersey. The San Francisco Giants provided the opposition in Scottsdale, Arizona. Anthony batted seventh in the lineup. His first two trips to the plate didn’t go well. The third one made everyone forget.
Anthony Announces His Presence
Cal Raleigh drew a walk to open the sixth inning for Team USA. Anthony stepped in next, batting seventh.
He’d already struck out twice. Blade Tidwell delivered a fastball middle-in. Anthony turned on it and sent it soaring toward the right field seats. The ball kept carrying until it landed deep in the concourse. Statcast clocked the exit velocity north of 101 mph on a drive that traveled just under 400 feet. Two runs scored for Roman.
Logan Webb happened to be doing an ESPN interview when Anthony connected.
“Look at that one,” Webb said. “I’m really excited to watch this guy too.”
The 21-year-old finished 1-for-3. Team USA cruised to a 15-1 win. Paul Skenes dominated across three innings on the mound. Alex Bregman, Anthony’s former Boston teammate, went deep earlier in the game.
Anthony’s blast was a highlight. The youngest player on the roster made certain everyone remembered his name.
How Anthony Got Here
The World Baseball Classic has lived in Anthony’s world since he was a kid. He grew up watching the tournament with his family. In 2023, he drove with teammates to catch the championship game live. Team USA versus Japan. Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout to end it. Anthony watched from the stands, taking it all in.
Now he’s wearing the uniform.
“For me, growing up, it’s been a dream of mine,” Anthony said. “Coming into spring, didn’t really expect it. I thought they had the roster set already. So for me, it was about just coming in and getting ready for my first full year. And then got that call, got approval from the team, all the guys. For me, it was a no-brainer. It’s a blessing for sure.”
Anthony earned the call. Tuesday’s performance showed exactly why DeRosa wanted him.
Team USA Action Begins Friday
Friday marks the real start. Team USA faces Brazil in Houston to open tournament play. The exhibition games are over. What happens next counts.
Anthony should see consistent action in left field, though nothing is guaranteed. Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton and Pete Crow-Armstrong create legitimate competition for outfield spots. The roster has no weak links.
Boston knows what Anthony can become. His rookie season proved he belongs in their long-term plans. The World Baseball Classic provides a different stage entirely. International competition. Prime-time television. A global audience watching every swing.
Anthony returns to the Red Sox after the tournament to begin his first full MLB season. What he absorbs playing alongside established stars during these next few weeks will carry forward.
GettyKyle Schwarber, Roman Anthony and Aaron Judge (L-R) of Team USA walk from the field during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Final Word for the Red Sox
Three years ago, Roman Anthony bought a ticket to watch the World Baseball Classic championship game. He sat in the stands as Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout for the final out.
On Tuesday, he wore Team USA’s jersey and launched a home run in his debut. Dreams don’t get much better than that. Friday, the games start counting. Anthony is the youngest player on the roster. The baseball world knows his name now.
The stage keeps getting bigger. He keeps showing up.
Red Sox Roman Anthony Makes Bold Statement in Team USA Debut