ROMAN ANTHONY: THE RED SOX’S RISING STAR READY FOR A BREAKOUT SEASON

The Boston Red Sox are entering a pivotal time in their rebuild, with a wealth of young, elite talent now making its way to the major leagues. The Red Sox organization has consistently prided itself on developing top-tier prospects, and in the past calendar year, several of those players have either already stepped up as key contributors or are expected to play a major role in the future. One player who embodies this exciting new wave of talent is outfielder Roman Anthony, a name that is quickly gaining traction in the baseball world.

Anthony, who made his MLB debut midway through the 2025 season, has already shown flashes of the kind of player the Red Sox expect him to become. Despite having a limited sample size, the 21-year-old outfielder impressed in his initial stint, and many around the organization believe he is poised for a major breakout in 2026. Insider Ian Browne, writing for MLB.com, is one of the voices bullish on Anthony’s potential, stating that after a shortened rookie season, Anthony is ready to take on an even bigger role next year.

A DEBUT TO REMEMBER

Roman Anthony’s debut season in 2025 was nothing short of remarkable, considering the circumstances. His time in the big leagues was limited to just a few months, with his call-up occurring in June, and his season being cut short by an oblique injury on September 2. Despite the limited time, Anthony showcased enough of his talent to leave fans and analysts alike excited about his future.

In his 75 games with the Red Sox, Anthony managed to hit eight home runs and drive in 32 RBIs, all while adjusting to the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of Major League Baseball. His numbers showed promise, particularly for someone who had yet to get a full season’s worth of experience at the highest level.

But it wasn’t just his ability to hit for power that turned heads. Anthony demonstrated exceptional patience at the plate, with a .396 on-base percentage (OBP) in his first 303 plate appearances. This ability to get on base consistently at such a young age is a major positive indicator of his future success. For reference, a high OBP is often the hallmark of great hitters, as it shows they can work deep counts, select quality pitches, and put themselves in favorable hitting situations.

In addition to his on-base skills, Anthony’s ability to hit left-handed pitchers stood out. A left-handed hitter, he proved that he could handle southpaws just as effectively as right-handed pitchers, a trait that will only enhance his value moving forward.

THE TOOLBOX OF A FUTURE STAR

What makes Anthony such an intriguing prospect is the combination of power, patience, and defense he brings to the table. As Browne wrote, Anthony has all the tools to become an elite player in the major leagues. His offensive game is built around a potent mix of patience at the plate and raw power, giving him the potential to develop into a middle-of-the-order slugger capable of making a major impact for years to come.

The key question surrounding Anthony, however, is how much he can grow into his power in his first full season. Given his natural abilities and the way he handles the pressure of big-league pitching, it is reasonable to expect his home run totals and RBIs to see a significant increase in 2026. While it’s difficult to predict exact numbers, a reasonable projection for Anthony would be to roughly double his tallies from his truncated 2025 campaign—16-18 home runs and 60-70 RBIs would be a reasonable expectation for his first full season.

What’s exciting about Anthony is his versatility as a hitter. He doesn’t rely solely on power, and his plate discipline allows him to work walks and create traffic on the bases. For a player so young, his ability to get on base consistently could make him one of the most dangerous hitters in the league over time. In 2025, his .396 OBP ranked among the best in the majors for any rookie, a statistic that’s sure to give opposing pitchers headaches moving forward.

DEFENSIVE VERSATILITY: A COMPLETE PACKAGE

While Anthony’s offensive potential is the primary focus, it’s important to also note his defensive ability. Having the capability to contribute both offensively and defensively is crucial for any player hoping to make a lasting impact, and Anthony’s skills in the outfield should not be overlooked. Though his natural position is left field, Anthony has also shown he can be an asset in right field, providing valuable flexibility for manager Alex Cora and the Red Sox coaching staff.

Defensively, Anthony is already considered to be above average, and his range in the outfield will be key for the Red Sox as they aim to shore up their defense in 2026. With his ability to play both outfield positions, he gives the Red Sox options and allows them to mix and match with other players, depending on matchups and specific game situations. His arm strength and defensive awareness make him an asset in a lineup that already has some of the most dynamic offensive talent in the league.

THE ROAD AHEAD: EXPECTATIONS AND THE RED SOX LINEUP

As we look ahead to the 2026 season, Roman Anthony is expected to play a major role in the Red Sox’s offensive lineup. There is little doubt that Alex Cora will rely on Anthony significantly, and he will likely be penciled in as the team’s starting left fielder. As the team’s primary left-handed hitter, he will be counted on to provide protection for Trevor Story and Willson Contreras in the middle of the order, as well as for whatever “big hitter” Craig Breslow continues to promise the organization.

For a young player like Anthony, the pressure of being placed in the heart of the order will be significant, but it’s a challenge he is ready for. In a Red Sox team that is expected to be more competitive in 2026, Anthony’s role will be pivotal as the team looks to make a deep postseason run. There will be no shortage of excitement surrounding Anthony in 2026, and if he lives up to his potential, he could very well establish himself as one of the premier players in the American League.

A MAJOR BREAKOUT CANDIDATE

Roman Anthony has already shown glimpses of his enormous potential, and MLB.com’s Ian Browne has made it clear that the 2026 season will be a defining year for him. In his rookie season, Anthony displayed a rare blend of patience and power that sets him apart from many of his peers. However, his true test will come when he plays a full 162-game schedule, facing the rigors of a complete season and the grind that comes with it.

Browne points out that “over a full, 162-game season, Anthony has all the tools and maturity to turn into an elite player.” That’s high praise for a player who is still learning and refining his game. While there will certainly be challenges ahead, there’s a strong sense of optimism surrounding Anthony’s future, especially after the brief but impressive glimpse fans got in 2025.

THE FINAL THOUGHT: A STAR IN THE MAKING

In conclusion, Roman Anthony is a player to watch for Red Sox fans in 2026. He’s a highly-talented prospect who has shown he’s ready to take on a larger role within the organization. With a solid first season under his belt, the stage is set for him to have a breakout year. While the Red Sox are still working on putting together a competitive roster, having a player like Anthony ready to step up could make all the difference in their quest for a postseason berth.

As the Red Sox continue to reshape their roster and build for the future, Roman Anthony is a key piece of that future, and his journey will be one to follow closely in 2026 and beyond.